Savannah kicks off weeklong Kwanzaa celebration with night of unity

by Stephanie Adkisson

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - The City of Savannah kicked off its weeklong Kwanzaa celebration Friday night at Henry Street Bistro, drawing neighbors together for an evening of food, music and conversation focused on the holiday’s first principle: Umoja, or unity.

“The first day of Kwanzaa means to me just coming together and just being one,” said Layla Fennell, an attendee. “Like we’re all equal, regardless of whatever. And it’s just the one day we can get together and just celebrate being one.”

The room at Henry Street Bistro reflected that spirit.

Neighbors shared a meal, listened to performances and connected over the meaning of the holiday as musicians and dancers interpreted Umoja through song and movement.

Jamal Toure, local historian and an organizer of the Kwanzaa Krawl, said the event celebrates the culture centered in the Lowcountry of Georgia and South Carolina.

“We’re gonna be celebrating our culture right here that is centered in the low country of Georgia and South Carolina,” he said.

Chef and owner David Williams, whose restaurant hosted the night, said the gathering was deeply rewarding.

“Just knowing that I satisfied everybody that came out to eat. And just the idea of seeing everybody coming together. It’s a beautiful thing,” he said.

Performers also wove the theme of unity into their presentations.

Dancer Alirah Jalil said she tried to bring Umoja into her routine and encourage the audience to join in.

“For Umoja, it says unity. So I think I just kind of put a part of unity in my dance. And I felt like everybody went along with it. At the end of it, I started clapping so everybody else can clap with me,” she said.

The Kwanzaa Krawl continues through Jan. 1 with events at various local venues and more performances celebrating community and culture.

Each evening starting at 6:00 p.m., the community can visit different restaurants or delis to enjoy food, culture, and fellowship under Kwanzaa traditions.