Kwanzaa Fest is Back!

 

Kwanzaa is a time for families and communities to come together to remember the past and to

celebrate African American culture. Celebrated in the city of Durham since 1986, Kwanzaa was derived

from the Swahili phrase "matunda ya kwanza," meaning first fruits of the harvest. Kwanzaa is an annual

celebration of life observed for seven days from December 26th to January 1st.

 

Kwanzaa is a celebration for ALL people, focusing on family, friends, and the fruits of the earth.

Celebrating the holiday season and Durham's diversity, AADE’s annual Kwanzaa celebration is a time to

enjoy family, community, and culture. Kwanzaa itself is a seven-day African holiday that celebrates a

different principle each day. AADE’s Kwanzaa takes place on the seventh day, which is dedicated to

Imani, or faith.

 

The African American Dance Ensemble will sponsor two days of Kwanzaa, Kuumba (Creativity) - C3 @ the Venue in Raleigh and Imani (Faith) at the historic Durham Armory. Kwanzaa Fest is FREE and open to the Public!!! Come enjoy games, arts & crafts, a drumming class, and our Children's Village. 

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Photo by: Juan Richardson

M.O.I. Photogrphy

DAVIS-WILLIAMS SCHOLARSHIP FUND

 

The Davis-Williams Scholarship is named after the late Baba Chuck Davis, founder of the African American Dance Ensemble, The Chuck Davis Company and DanceAfrica and Mr. Jimmie Williams, former dancer of AADE.

The scholarship will be awarded to youth who are interested in the performing arts and desire to learn their craft

and pursue the art of dance and or teaching. We believe the education of our youth is important, and the way to

ensure the continuance of dance is to make sure that we do our part to assist those who desire to carry the banner.

The education of our youth is important, and the way to ensure the continuance of African and African American

Dance is to make sure that we do our part to physically, mentally and financially assist those who desire to carry the

banner. 

                                                                                        Help Us Help Our Youth

THE AFRICAN AMERICAN DANCE ENSEMBLE                                                                                    

 

The African American Dance Ensemble is a 501(c) 3 organization, and our mission is to    preserve and share the finest traditions of African and African American Dance and            Music through research, education, performance and entertainment; to focus on the          health and education of our community.

 

Our purpose is to help our youth become more active through dance and the arts. With our motto: "Peace, Love, Respect for Everybody" the Ensemble celebrates traditional African culture, aesthetics and values to encourage cross-cultural dialogue, cooperation and understanding.