Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts Hosts Ujima Kwanzaa Celebration in Partnership with Women In Training and Kwanzaa Coalition Montgomery

The Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts, in collaboration with Women In Training, Inc. and the Kwanzaa Coalition Montgomery, invites the community to gather for a vibrant celebration of Ujima, the third principle of  Kwanzaa, emphasizing collective work and responsibility. This free public program will take  place on Sunday, December 28, 2025, from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. at the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts. 

Dr. Maulana Karenga, Professor and Chairman of the Africana Studies Department at California State University at Long Beach created Kwanzaa in 1966 as an African American cultural celebration. Kwanzaa is based on the concept of the harvest and the shared responsibility of building, nurturing, and sustaining community. Reflecting these values, the Ujima celebration will feature live musical performances highlighting African and African  American cultural traditions, creating a space for rhythm, reflection, and connection. 

The program will include a keynote presentation by Kimberly Brown Pellum, PhD, professor at Florida A&M University. Dr. Pellum will speak on the history of  Kwanzaa and explore how individuals and families can empower themselves and unify through the celebration of Ujima, reinforcing the importance of collective responsibility across generations. 

Kimberly Brown Pellum, PhD, will give the Kwanzaa keynote address.

Dr. Pellum is a public historian whose work focuses on African American history, women’s history, and the legacy of historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs). She is the Creative Architect of the “Beyond Black Beauty” exhibit at the Meek-Eaton Black Archives at Florida A&M University, a project that explores the history of Black College Queens and their influence on African American beauty culture, student life, and institutional branding.

Guests will also enjoy Pan-African cuisines, featuring foods rooted in African American cultural traditions, highlighting the role of food in honoring heritage and  bringing people together. 

“Kwanzaa means First Fruits in the Swahili language of East Africa. This is a time when families come together to celebrate the first fruits of the harvest! It’s intergenerational, and everyone is invited,” said Oloye Adeyela Bennett, President and Chief Executive Officer of Women In Training, Inc.

Oloye Adeyela Bennett, President and CEO of Women in the Training, Inc., on the left, with Kaylee Hobbs, Manager of Family and Community Programs at the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts.

"Most of us are not farmers or harvesting crops. Today, we are entrepreneurs, educators, journalists, students, engineers, doctors, public officials and visionaries who are harvesting our dreams,” Oloye Adeyela Bennett continued. 

WAKA interview about the Ujima Kwanzaa program at the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts.

Rhythm Nation Drum Ensemble and EZELLS Productions, LLC will engage the community in African cultural drumming and dancing.

Rhythm Nation Drum Ensemble and EZELLS Productions will be the heart of the Ujima Kwanzaa celebration with their drum beats and African dancing! Pictured, from left to right: Theodore Lush, Wretha Hudson, Trina Spackmen, Anthony Ezell and Ronald McMillian.

Tara Campbell is serving as emcee to keep the cultural program flowing seamlessly.

Ujima Mistress of Ceremony Tara Campbell.

Yeye Olosunde Aduke, Vice President for Youth Development, Women in Training, Inc. is managing the Nguzo Saba presentation of the Seven Kwanzaa Principles along with the middle and high school Monarchs from the WIT Leadership Development Academy.

Yeye Olosunde Aduke, WIT Vice President for Youth Development, will coordinating the Nguzo Saba presentation at the Ujima Kwanzaa program.

Here are the Nguzo Saba, the Seven Principles of Kwanzaa.

Attendees are also nvited to participate in a  collective art-making activity and a guided community conversation, encouraging reflection, dialogue, and shared creativity. Open to guests of all ages, this uplifting gathering offers an opportunity to connect through art, music, food, and meaningful discussion. 

Event Details 

What: Ujima Kwanzaa Celebration 

When: Sunday, December 28, 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. 

Where: Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts 

Who: Presented by the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts in collaboration with Women In  Training and the Kwanzaa Coalition Montgomery  

Cost: Free 

Michael Jackson is the coordinator of Kwanzaa Coalition Montgomery. Below is the seven-day Kwanzaa schedule for Montgomery.

"Many hands make light work, and with the coalition approach, several organizations have partnered to bring life to this Kwanzaa celebration," Jackson said. "Even though Kwanzaa is traditionally observed seven days out of the year, each principle is imperative for every day living."

The Kwanzaa Montgomery Coalition schedule for 2025.

Learn more about the Kwanzaa celebration in the WSFA-TV broadcast.