With the holiday season comes diverse celebrations, each with its unique traditions steeped in community, family and faith.
Kwanzaa is a well-known part of these festivities. Fayeth Gardens again invites the community to their 3rd Annual Kwanzaa Celebration at Hayward City Hall.
Kwanzaa has become a beloved non-religious, cultural celebration of African and African-American traditions since its inception in 1966. The holiday was created by Dr. Maulana Karenga, a Black Studies professor and one of the world’s most highly respected senior scholars in Black and Africana studies. Kwanzaa originates from the Kiswahili word meaning “fresh fruits.” The holiday occurs over seven days, from Dec. 26 to Jan. 1.
Kwanzaa is an affirmation of seven guiding principles paying tribute to ancestors and African culture, while reaffirming family and community values. Each day affirms one of seven principles, named the Nguzo Saba: unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity and faith. The widely recognized symbol of Kwanzaa, the “Kinara,” holds seven candles to represent each principle.
Velda Goe, founder of the private 20-acre retreat Fayeth Gardens, established in 2014, has been celebrating Kwanzaa for over 40 years. When she discovered that there were no major Kwanzaa celebrations for the Hayward community, she felt compelled to initiate one.
“I’ve always incorporated the Nguzo Saba in my life,” said Goe, “so I feel it’s my responsibility to do whatever I can to initiate changes that make the community better.”
Goe got to work promoting a Kwanzaa celebration, as well as applying for City of Hayward grants for it to be held in City Hall.
The first celebration in 2023 was a resounding success, garnering 250 attendees. “I was pleasantly surprised that, despite our meager distribution list, we still got 250 people to come,” said Goe. “There was a lot of joy and work that went into it.”
In 2024, grant funding for the 2nd Kwanzaa was decreased due to economic stresses, but Goe did not let that deter her. “We couldn’t afford bands, so we held cultural education workshops on African and African-American traditions in the community and during the Kwanzaa Celebration,” she said, “as well as used auxiliary funding, media support and varied partnerships, including the Hayward Public Library.” These combined efforts yielded 230 attendees.
During last year’s celebration, the Sankofa Lifetime Achievement Awards were launched. “Sankofa” is a West African term meaning “to use the past to inform the future.” The award honors those who have fulfilled accomplishments that benefit causes on local, national and global levels.
This year, Goe encountered another challenge when previously awarded city funding was cut midway for all nonprofits until 2027 due to city deficits. Despite this, Goe decided to proceed with the celebration. Again, the Nguzo Saba principles of faith and determination kicked in alongside her favorite quote from Alan Cedric Page: “The challenges you face and the way you handle them tell you a lot about yourself.”
Attendees can anticipate delicious food, vendors and live entertainment from Hardiman’s New Orleans 2nd Line Band, Touch of Class Band, Awon Ohun Omnira Choir and the California Griot Storytellers.
Free, limited lunch reservations at 11:30am require an Eventbrite reservation ticket. Free general admission, which begins at noon, also requires an Eventbrite ticket for entry (if attendees don’t already have one for lunch).
Also offered are separate Kids Korner tickets and a raffle with prizes included for the Best-Dressed Afro-centric King and Queen.
Continuing last year’s tradition, this year’s Sankofa Lifetime Achievement Awardees are: Mrs. Freddye M. Davis, president of South Hayward NAACP; Baba Arnold X.C. Perkins, co-founder of the Brotherhood of Elders; and Frederick Jordan, founder of F.E. Jordan Associates.
Obtaining more fiscal sponsors is a goal that Goe is working towards in the coming years. Her current multi-year fiscal sponsor, The Peace Haven—a nonprofit organization that feeds locals in need—has been a tremendous help thus far. However, now that city funding is on hiatus, Goe is looking for multiple funding streams from varied sources that believe in Fayeth Gardens’ missions.
Hayward’s diverse community is certain to appreciate Fayeth Gardens’ 3rd Annual Kwanzaa Celebration.
“We have multiple races and nationalities represented at our events,” Goe said. “The goal is to utilize the principles of Kwanzaa in order to actualize the creation and unification of communities in a positive way.”
Fayeth Gardens 3rd Annual Kwanzaa
Sunday, Dec. 28
Noon – 5pm
11:30am lunch (ticket required)
Hayward City Hall
777 B St., Hayward
Search Fayeth Gardens Kwanzaa on Eventbrite
Free parking
