Step, Stories, and Spirits: Kwanzaa Fest Lights Up the Stage

The step team ends their performance with a team favorite, “Angles,” followed by a little dancing to “Azonto” by Fuse ODG. Photo: Madiha Asghar

By CAMILLE LAMOUR, DANIELLA GANZBURG, and TAYLOR LUBIN

Kwanzaa Fest, an annual tradition that portrays the African-American holiday through drama, dance, fashion, and more, returned on December 22 as Hornets joined together to celebrate Nguzu Saba (the holiday’s Seven Principles).

Created by activist Maulana Karenga, Kwanzaa begins December 26 and ends January 1, honoring African-American culture and highlighting unity. Midwood’s event was led by the Black Heritage Alliance (BHA) under the guidance of advisor Ms. Marie Volcy.

The show opened with its tradition of all participants dancing along the aisles to “Jerusalema” by Master KG. Shortly after, senior Co-presidents Joemi Quiroz and Makayla Ofori led a moment of silence in honor of Ms. Marcia Kaufman, a legendary Midwood teacher who passed away last year. 

This year’s acting segment, titled “The Gallery: Awakening the Principles,” explored themes of community, creativity, and self-determination. The storyline followed a 17-year-old high school student, Maya, played by Olivia Le Seur ‘27, who is tasked with setting up an art exhibit by her supervisor. Maya is accompanied by her friend Angela, played by Milani Harrington ‘29, and security guard Leon, also referred to as “Big L,” played by senior Garvey Grandchamps. 

While preparing for the gallery, Maya encounters seven Afrocentric artifacts: a drum, a tree, a tapestry, clothing pieces, a Polaroid camera, a painting, and a spear. Through these artifacts, Kwanzaa spirits come to life, some even possessing Angela and Leon, helping Maya understand the meaning behind each principle and the impact her art holds on the gentrified community.

“Being on stage was really fun,” said Grandchamps. “Doing the show made me realize that I should’ve really participated more in my early years instead of [waiting until] senior year.”

I enjoyed sharing laughs with my friends,” said Le Seur. “I was able to create and strengthen my bond with the other actors.”

The production was split into two acts. The first half consisted of acting, African tribal dance, praise dance, and modeling, while the second featured acting, modern dance, and step.

“The modeling segment was beautifully done, and being backstage—laughing, dancing, and supporting each other—made the experience even more special,” said Vivienne Ward, a sophomore who modeled in the show.

Each scene represented a principle of Kwanzaa: Umoja (Unity), Kujichagulia (Self-Determination), Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility), Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics), Nia (Purpose), Kuumba (Creativity), and Imani (Faith). A poetry reading and the lighting of the kinara candle followed each principle.

Behind the scenes, stage crew director Devon Li ‘27 managed the sound throughout the production. “It's important to put on a good show because we are representing ourselves as a community and how we all work together – the chemistry between people,” Li said.

Danae Barnes ‘29 helped out as an art director. “I grew up drawing and painting, so painting something like the background for the show is so fun for me,” Barnes said.

Audience member Cielo Espinal ‘27 enjoyed the dance portion of the show the most, especially watching her friends perform to the beat of African drums and the step team tell stories through synchronized stomps and claps.

“The Wakanda theme the steppers portrayed was mesmerizing and super cool to watch,” Espinal said.

Senior Step Team Co-Captain Soraya Henry reflected on her experience leading the team. “At first, it was pretty stressful because it was a new position that I was introduced to,” she said. “But, it was very rewarding to see all my efforts and hard work pay off at the end. I’m proud of my team.”

Reflecting on the event, Henry summarized the experience: “I think our show speaks for itself. Every section within our show — praise dancing, African dance, poem reading, and the rest — stands out in its own way.”

The show ended with a warmhearted thanks to the team and production from Quiroz and Ofori.

“It was really bittersweet saying goodbye to everyone at the end of the show,” Quiroz said. “It felt like I was also saying goodbye to all the fun moments I shared with BHA since my freshman year.”