DIGITAL ARCHIVE | STORY TELLING
Northwest
Communiy Kwanzaa History
Project
Preserving 55 years of Black cultural heritage in the Pacific Northwest through community storytelling, archival preservation, and digital documentation.
NW Kwanzaa History
Kwanzaa in Seattle began in 1969, when three families led by community members including Patsy Fletcher, Jean Harris, and Sadikifu Akina-James, held their first Karamu celebration inspired by the teachings of Ron Karenga (now Dr.Maulana Karenga). In the 1970s, small groups of families continued to host traditional, private Kwanzaa gatherings in their homes, preparing African foods, fasting during the day, and rotating celebrations each night.
By the 1980s, organizations such as the Delaney Institute began hosting public Kwanzaa events to make the celebration accessible to more members of the African-descended community. In the 1990s, the National Black United Front (NBUF) took leadership in coordinating annual celebrations. Over the decades, Kwanzaa in Seattle has grown from intimate home-based gatherings into events from Seattle to Tacoma attracting 70–100 participants each night, preserving a powerful and enduring cultural tradition.
Why This Matters
Black cultural traditions have often been underrepresented or erased from historical records. This project ensures Black voices control their own narrative, preserving heritage through firsthand accounts rather than external documentation. When we safeguard our stories, we safeguard our power, ensuring our history remains true because it is told by its own people.
Our Vision
Despite its cultural impact, much of this history remains undocumented. This project collects, preserves, and shares these vital stories. This is an act of Kujichagulia (Self-Determination) and cultural reclamation. For over five decades, the Black community has nurtured Kwanzaa traditions, yet local history hasn’t been documented in centralized archives. Accessible and able to withstand the test of time, ensuring that 55 years from now the community can access the richness of what has been cultivated.
We’re ensuring the community controls its own narrative. As one of our elders reminds us: “When we record our history, we protect our future. A people who archive their own story can never be erased.”
Get Involved!
Your participation is key to the success of the NW Community Kwanzaa History Project!
Sign up today to receive future updates and learn how you can contribute your media for digitization in our archive. Together, we can celebrate and document the legacy of Kwanzaa for generations to come.
Ready to submit digital photos or need more information? Email us and our team will follow up
