Kwanzaa, a celebration of family, community, and culture is a traditional African American and Pan-African holiday celebrated by millions throughout the world. The holiday is an ancient and living cultural tradition, which reflects the best of African thought and practice in its reaffirmation of the dignity of the human person in community and culture, the well-being of family and community, the integrity of the environment and our kinship with it, and the rich resource and meaning of a people's culture.

This event will benefit graduate students by providing reinforcement of a cultural foundation, which stimulates and inspires African Americans through seven principles: unity, self-determination, collective work, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity, and faith. This event will also benefit graduate students of other cultures to learn more about African American heritage thus increasing diversity appreciation at UAB.

The programs will include a welcome dance, historical significance, meaning of Kwanzaa and explanation of items on traditional table, statement of re-assessment and re-commitment, and traditional African dance.