About

During the aftermath of the Watts Uprisings in the 1960s, Dr. Maulana Karenga decided to create a special December holiday designed for Black people to celebrate themselves, their culture, and their future liberation. Today, Kwanzaa is still celebrated by not only Afro-Americans, but Black people around the globe!

In this broadcast, Garrett McQueen offers a background on the history of Kwanzaa and its guiding principles, alongside musical selections that highlight the spirit of the celebration. 

Through a generous donation and media sponsorship from KVNO-FM, "The Sounds of Kwanzaa" is available at no charge from PRX - click here for more. 

Playlist

Valerie Coleman, Umoja (Imani Winds)
Florence Price, Piano Concerto in One Movement (New Black Repertory Ensemble, Leslie Dunner, dir; Karen Walwyn, piano)
Duke Ellington, In A Sentimental Mood (Modern String Quartet)
Sean O'Laughlin, Imani (Washington Winds, Edward Petersen, dir; Sonic Fusion)
Mongo Santamaria/Valerie Coleman, Afro Blue (Imani Winds)
James Weldon Johnson/J. Rosamund Johnson, Lift Ev'ry Voice (Imani Winds)