For over 40 years, the Langston Hughes Community Library and Cultural Center (100-01 Northern Boulevard in Corona) has celebrated Kwanzaa and its Seven Principles (the Nguzo Saba)!
Join us this December at Langston Hughes for arts and crafts, community conversations, concerts, explorations of entrepreneurship, and much more!
You can also celebrate Kwanzaa during other special events at QPL, including a storytime and book giveaway with the Friends of Rosedale Library! Visit the QPL Calendar to learn more about those events.
Kwanzaa at Langston Hughes Library
All programs are at Langston Hughes Library (100-01 Northern Boulevard) or virtual.
41st Annual Kick-Off to Kwanzaa Celebration
Saturday, December 13, 9:30am-6:30pm
This FREE, family-friendly event features a traditional Libation Ceremony; music by Any Given Sunday, Big Mike and The Black Saints, and urban saxophonist Ashley Keiko; line dancing with Ms. Shannon; hands-on arts-and-crafts workshops for adults and children; and much more!
All ages are welcome! Join us for a day of culture and community as we honor the principles and traditions of Kwanzaa.
Kwanzaa Week: Pass the Torch: An Intergenerational Conversation (Umoja)
Friday, December 26, 5:30pm
Join us for this inspiring discussion and engage with diverse perspectives about "passing the torch" to cultivate successors and strengthen our collective future while honoring the principles that unite us across generations.
Kwanzaa Week: Library Action Committee Annual Meeting (Kujichagulia)
Saturday, December 27, 12:30pm
The Library Action Committee of Corona-East Elmhurst is the founding body and advisory board of the Langston Hughes Community Library and Cultural Center. Discover how to shape the future of Langston Hughes through membership, learn about its mission and vision, and connect with fellow community members committed to defining our collective path forward.
Kwanzaa Week: Brunch with The Sherry Winston Band (Ujima)
Sunday, December 28, 2pm
Enjoy this special performance honoring Langston Hughes's commitment to building and maintaining its community through music and fellowship.
Kwanzaa Week: Empowered Commerce: Ujamaa's Entrepreneurial Spirit
Monday, December 29, 5pm
Meet local Black-owned businesses and rising "chef-preneurs," enjoy delicious creations, and hear inspiring entrepreneurial journeys that strengthen our community's economic foundation. Every attendee will receive multiple free products and gifts to take home!
Kwanzaa Week: Healing Into Purpose: A Conversation on Trauma & Transformation (Nia)
Tuesday, December 30, 1pm
Following this inspiring dialogue, you can create personalized vision boards and "purpose maps" — visual representations of your healing journey and aspirations. All materials provided.
Kwanzaa Week: New Art Unveiling (Kuumba)
Wednesday, December 31, 10:30am
Honor the Kwanzaa principle of Kuumba as Langston Hughes Library unveils a new addition to their permanent collection, to be housed in the Children's Room. Celebrate creativity through art while enjoying light refreshments and connecting with fellow community members at this special exhibition.
Kwanzaa Week: Faith Forward: Honoring Our Legacy, Embracing Our Future (Imani) (Virtual Program)
Thursday, January 1, 7pm
Join us virtually as we honor Imani by celebrating Langston Hughes Library's journey through 2025, while reflecting on their 56 years of service. Experience the stories of faith that have guided the members of the Langston Hughes Library community, celebrate this year's milestones, and look ahead with hope and vision for what's to come.
Watch on our Facebook page and on our YouTube channel: https://www.facebook.com/QPLNYC and https://www.youtube.com/QueensPublicLibrary
Funding for Langston Hughes Library's celebration of Kwanzaa is provided in part by the Library Action Committee of Corona-East Elmhurst, NYS Education Department Special Legislative Grants from Assemblywoman Larinda Hooks, discretionary funds from NYC Coalition of Theaters Initiative, New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA), and Queens Borough President Donovan Richards.