Long Beach Health Department Hosts Third Annual Kwanzaa Experience Event

City of Long Beach
Public Information Office
411 W. Ocean Blvd,
Long Beach, CA 90802
www.longbeach.gov

The City of Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services (Health Department), in collaboration with the April Parker Foundation and other Black-serving organizations, will host The Kwanzaa Experience from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 14, 2024, at the Doris Topsy Elvord Community Center at Houghton Park (6301 Myrtle Ave.). This annual celebration highlights the seven principles of Kwanzaa-unity, self-determination, collective responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity and faith-and emphasizes the vital role of social capital in the Black community through youth engagement and fostering social connections.

"The Kwanzaa Experience is a hallmark of our long-standing commitment to celebrating Long Beach's vibrant cultural diversity," said Mayor Rex Richardson. "This event is a great opportunity for our city to come together, celebrate and strengthen our connections, and support each other's wellbeing."

This year's event, designed for families and community members of all ages, promises a vibrant lineup of activities that includes handmade crafts and gifts, hands-on drum circles, the April Parker Fun Zone, live music by Carillo High School Student Body President Frank Osborne (DJ Sonny), and early childhood education activities and snacks. Also included in this year's event will be scholarship information sessions presented by the United Negro College Fund, a black author book drive and a Black Health Equity resource fair. The event will also feature a welcome ceremony with remarks from City and local representatives, including Ninth District Councilmember Dr. Joni Ricks-Oddie and Long Beach Unified School District Black Student Achievement Initiative administrators and student groups.

The Health Department will also share preliminary findings presented by community members from the City's first-ever Black Community Health Strengths and Needs Assessment.

"The Kwanzaa Experience serves as a celebration of a cherished cultural tradition while highlighting the vital connection between community, culture and the promotion of health and wellness," said Ninth District Councilmember Dr. Joni Ricks-Oddie. "It is my privilege to invite all members of our community to come together for this significant and uplifting event."

The Kwanzaa Experience is funded by a variety of Black-serving organizations, including the presenting sponsor, the April Parker Foundation, as well as Agape Children's Museum and Long Beach Unified School District's Black Student Achievement Initiative.

"The April Parker Foundation is honored to be the presenting sponsor for the 2024 Kwanzaa Experience," said April Parker Foundation Executive Director April Parker. "This partnership is rooted in intentionality, as we embrace the values of unity, self-determination and collective work that Kwanzaa represents. We are thrilled to join this effort to uplift and celebrate a tradition that honors the richness of our heritage and community. It is with great anticipation that we look forward to contributing to this year's celebration, ensuring Kwanzaa continues to be a vibrant, unifying and meaningful experience for all."

Kwanzaa, celebrated annually from Dec. 26 to Jan. 1, was created by Dr. Maulana Karenga, Chair of the Africana Studies Department at California State University, Long Beach. First observed in Long Beach in 1966 as part of the Black resistance movement, Kwanzaa has since grown into a nationwide tradition.

About the City of Long Beach
Long Beach is nestled along the Southern California coast and home to approximately 466,000 people. As an award-winning full-service charter city, Long Beach offers the amenities of a metropolitan city while maintaining a strong sense of individual and diverse neighborhoods, culture, and community. With a bustling downtown and over six miles of scenic beaches, Long Beach is a renowned tourist and business destination and home to the iconic Queen Mary, nationally recognized Aquarium of the Pacific and Long Beach Airport, the award-winning Long Beach Convention and Entertainment Center and world-class Port of Long Beach.

For more information about the City of Long Beach, visit longbeach.gov/. Follow us on social to keep up with the latest news: Facebook, X, Instagram and YouTube. More information about the Long Beach Health Department is available at longbeach.gov/health and on Instagram, Facebook and X.