Mission College to Host 18th Annual Kwanzaa Celebration Honoring Heritage and Community

For Immediate Release

SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA - Mission College will host its 18th Annual Kwanzaa Celebration on Wednesday, December 2, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on-campus in the Freeburg Hospitality Management (HM) Building. The gathering brings together students, employees and community members to honor African American heritage, cultural identity, and shared community values.

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This year’s campus celebration marks a dual milestone: Mission College’s 18th annual gathering and the national 60th anniversary of Kwanzaa, which was founded in 1966. Rooted in the agricultural "first fruits" harvest traditions of the African continent (historically known as Alkebulan), Kwanzaa centers on gathering, reverence, commemoration of ancestral history, and recommitment to cultural ideals and the production of communal good.

The campus observance is grounded in Kawaida, a cultural philosophy that centers cultural identity and urges participants to draw upon the best of African heritage, past and present, to build models of collective excellence and growth.

"Celebrating Kwanzaa on our campus for the eighteenth year and commemorating its sixtieth national anniversary reflects Mission College's deep commitment to building a campus culture centered on equity, reverence, and shared purpose," said Ken Songco, Dean of Equity and Student Success.

"Kwanzaa invites all of us to pause, reflect on our collective journey, and ground ourselves in values that uplift one another. We are proud to open our doors for this event to scholars, colleagues, and neighbors as we honor the rich traditions and community strength that define the African American experience."

The event features live drumming, traditional African dance performances, a ceremonial lighting of the Kinara candles, and shared fellowship designed to connect participants in an appreciative, welcoming space.

Beyond celebration, the program connects directly to Mission College’s equity goals by providing rich cultural content for curriculum enhancement, student development, and community engagement.

"Rooted in the philosophy of Kawaida, Kwanzaa challenges us to look to our heritage not just as history, but as an active blueprint for building excellence, resilience, and unity today," said Dr. David Piper, Associate Faculty member at Mission College. 

"When we gather for the lighting of the Kinara and share in traditional music and dance, we create a vital space where our African American scholars feel seen, valued, and empowered. This celebration is a living expression of our community's enduring commitment to cultural affirmation and collective growth."

Event Logistics & Registration:

• Date & Time: Wednesday, December 2, 2026 | 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

• Location: Freeburg Hospitality Management (HM) Building, Mission College, 3000 Mission College Blvd., Santa Clara, CA 95054

• Admission: Free and open to the entire campus and broader community.

• Registration: Advance registration is encouraged at tinyurl.com/kwanzaa-26

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Benjamin Demers
Director of Marketing and Public Relations
[email protected]