Holding Space for African American History

Donate to the Kwanzaa principle that speaks most to you in your life. 

Umoja (Unity)
To strive for and maintain unity in the family, community, nation and race.

Kujichagulia (Self-determination)
To define ourselves, name ourselves, create for ourselves and speak for ourselves.

Ujima (Collective work and responsibility)
To build and maintain our community together and make our brother's and sister's problems our problems and to solve them together.

Ujamaa (Collective Economics)
To build and maintain our own stores, shops and other businesses and to profit from them together.

Nia (Purpose)
To make our collective vocation the building and developing of our community in order to restore our people to their traditional greatness.

Kuumba (Creativity)
To do always as much as we can, in the way we can, in order to leave our community more beautiful and beneficial than we inherited it.

Imani (Faith)
To believe with all our heart in our people, our parents, our teachers, our leaders and the righteousness and victory of our struggle.

Why "Holding Space"?

Imagine as an adult learning for the first time that the American history you were taught throughout your education omitted the history of African Americans. Feelings of frustration, anger, shame, guilt and disbelief are common. Knowing one’s history can have a positive effect on life outcomes. The African American Cultural and Historical Museum was founded to research, collect, preserve and exhibit cultural and historical materials about the life and work of African Americans in Washtenaw County to enrich the entire community.

Beginning November 1st and ending January 1st, the African American Cultural and Historical Museum (AACHM) will host its inaugural “Holding Space for African American History” fundraising campaign built around the 7 principles of Kwanzaa, an African American cultural, non-religious holiday celebrated December 26-January 1.  AACHM incorporates these principles throughout the year in our exhibits, collections, tours and programming to ensure that African American History is not erased from the local historical narrative. The event will provide an opportunity for participants to ensure that individuals of all ages will hear stories, see artifacts and experience culture that otherwise might be lost--holding space for African American History.

Join a team above to become a Kwanzaa fundraiser. Then invite friends and family members to join your team to raise funds in support of one or more of the seven Kwanzaa principles.