Mayor Domenic J. Sarno and city and state officials joined with the Springfield Kwanzaa Collective, led by School Committee member-elect Ayanna Crawford, this morning for Springfield’s 2025 Kwanzaa Ceremony and Celebration at City Hall. State Senator Jake Oliveira, State Rep. Orlando Ramos, the city’s Chief Diversity & Inclusion Officer Judi Crowell, Health & Racial Equity Coordinator Shenell Ford, Mayoral Aide Shay Kraus, President of the Greater Springfield NAACP Bishop Talbert Swan, and two of this year’s Kwanzaa Community Impact Awardees Freda Malone and Donny Wright were all in attendance for the celebration.
This annual ceremony commemorated the first principle of Kwanzaa, Umoja (Unity), and featured a dynamic performance by the renowned Bomba de Aqui drummers and dancers. Mayor Sarno issued a special proclamation officially declaring "Kwanzaa Week" in the City of Springfield, and this year’s Kwanzaa Community Impact Awardees were recognized:
• Freda Malone
• Donny Wright
• Tiffany Alecia
• Emma Burke
The celebration is an in-gathering for the community to reflect on shared heritage and achievements, emphasizing the holiday's seven principles: unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity, and faith. The event provides an opportunity for residents from all backgrounds to come together, celebrate the rich traditions of Kwanzaa, and recognize individuals who have made significant contributions to the community.
Mayor Domenic J. Sarno states, “I want to thank the Kwanzaa Collective, and especially Ayanna Crawford, who has really taken this annual celebration to the next level and expanded to communities throughout Western Mass. Thank you for your efforts in helping to put together a wonderful Kwanzaa Celebration here at City Hall and for uplifting those in the community who continue to give back. This annual event celebrates family pride, faith, community, and African-American culture and the roots and traditions of the holiday. It’s all about coming together. On behalf of the City of Springfield, best wishes for a Happy Kwanzaa and Happy New Year!”
About the Kwanzaa Collective:
The Kwanzaa Collective is an organization dedicated to promoting and celebrating African American culture and the principles of Kwanzaa throughout the Pioneer Valley. Through various events and educational initiatives, the collective strives to foster unity, cultural connection, and community empowerment. Ayanna Crawford serves as a key organizer and historian for the collective.
Thank you Focus Springfield Community TV for capturing this special celebration: https://youtu.be/3Gpsj4pT2TA
