20th Annual Kwanzaa Celebration at SF’s Main Library (2025)

San Francisco Public Library

Celebrate the third day of Kwanzaa (Ujima, Collective Work and Responsibility) at the Library for its 20th annual Kwanzaa festivities. To kick off this special event, musician and storyteller Azere Wilson and Nigerian-born percussionist Manas Itene perform some original and classic African American tunes curated based on the seven principles of Kwanzaa. Following the performance, a feast will be served. A fun, educational and entertaining afternoon for the whole family.

Kwanzaa happens every year from December 26 through January 1. The holiday’s rituals celebrate African cultural traditions, highlighting the “seven principles of African heritage.” The principle for the 3rd day, Ujima, means to build and maintain our community together, making our brothers’ and sisters’ problems our problems and solving them together.

Azere Wilson is a bluesy, roots Americana musician and storyteller from the California hill country. Old-time blues, Americana and Folk music are her volumes of truth. Her elders are Nina Simone, Bessie Smith, Ma Rainey and traditional Black music and bluegrass. Azere breathes new life into old music from the early 1900s and melds her originals with a jazzy, folk blues vibe.

Manas Itene is a world-renowned Nigerian-born percussionist and local who has played with Michael Franti and Spearhead since 2001, and before that, Inka Inka, the Mandators and many others.

Presented by San Francisco Public Library

Disclaimer: Please double check event information with the event organizer as events can be canceled, details can change after they are added to our calendar, and errors do occur.