45th Annual Kwanzaa Celebration: December 29th, Ujamaa
2025-12-29 18:00 - 21:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | WorldBeat Center, 2100 Park Blvd, San Diego, 92101, United States
45th Annual Kwanzaa Celebration
Doors 6pm | Program 6:30PM
WorldBeat Cultural Center invites the community to celebrate its 45th Annual Kwanzaa, honoring four of the seven days of this African American cultural holiday rooted in African traditions. Observed from December 26 to January 1, Kwanzaa centers on the Nguzo Saba—the Seven Principles: Umoja-Unity, Kujichagulia- Self-Determination, Ujima – Collective Work & Responsibility, Ujamaa – Cooperative Economics, Nia – Purpose, Kuumba – Creativity, and Imani – Faith.
Each evening features ceremonial candle lighting, libations, African drumming, poetry, music, and reflections from featured speakers and performers aligned with the night’s principle. Guests will also share in the Karamu, the traditional Kwanzaa feast plate, featuring black-eyed peas, collard greens, gumbo, potato salad, and corn muffins. This year’s celebration also launches the inaugural Kwanzaa Awards, honoring individuals whose work embodies the values of the Nguzo Saba. All events are free, family-friendly, and open to the public. Advance RSVP encouraged.
Hosted by MC Sidiqa Hooker aka Soulspiration

Day 4: Monday, December 29th: Ujamaa, Cooperative Economics
Performance Highlights
Performance by Tebe Zalango
Tebe Zalango shares the energy and spirit of East African cultural traditions through drumming, dance, and vibrant ensemble performance. Their artistry highlights the power of community collaboration and cultural continuity.
Performance by WorldBeat Center’s African Drum and Dance Ensemble
Master drummer Dramane Koné and his ensemble deliver an electrifying showcase of West African percussion and movement. Their performances celebrate ancestral rhythms, collective expression, and the enduring spirit of cooperation.

This year also marks the inauguration of the Annual Kwanzaa Awards, honoring individuals whose work reflects the values of the Nguzo Saba, including Chuck Ambers, founder of the African Museum Casa del Rey Moro, Maria Lane, San Diego’s First Samba Instructor, Johnnierenee Nia Nelson, WorldBeat Center’s Poet Laurette. Dennis Newsome, Capoeira Angola Mestre, Starla Lewis, Global Teacher of Self-Love and Prince Habib, President of African American Writers & Artists.

Native Planting Party at WorldBeat Center
2026-02-08 09:00 - 12:00
Planting Party at the WorldBeat Center
Celebrate Black History Month by planting a native plant for your hero! Join us for a community planting celebration as Native Plant Invasion collaborates with the WorldBeat Center to enhance their flourishing garden.
Date & Time
Sunday, February 8
9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Location
WorldBeat Cultural Center
2100 Park Blvd, San Diego 92101
RSVP
Please RSVP here: http://bit.ly/npiatWBC
What to Expect

Hands-on native planting and garden support
A feel-good way to honor Black History Month through community care and stewardship
Meet fellow volunteers and community partners

What to Bring (Suggested)

Reusable water bottle
Sun protection (hat/sunscreen)
Gardening gloves (if you have them)

Hosted/Partnered By
San Diego Bird Alliance • Native Plant Invasion • WorldBeat Center

45th Tribute to the Reggae Legends/ Bob Day
2026-02-20 19:00 - 23:59
Join us for the 45th Annual Tribute to the Reggae Legends in San Diego, CA. The 2026 event will span two days.
Tribute to the Reggae Legends, also known as Bob Marley Day honors the rich legacy of reggae music. Founded by Prophet World Beat Productions in honor of Bob Marley’s legacy.
Reggae music carries a powerful message of unity, peace, and awareness of social inequities. The WorldBeat Center remains dedicated to preserving the legacy and message of reggae legends like Bob Marley and Peter Tosh.
2026 LINEUP

Friday, February 20th
Julian Marley and the Uprising
Johnny Osborne and Fully Fullwood Band
Mara Sulu
Pinnacle Roots
DJ Mykol Orthodox
Saturday, February 21st
King Yellowman
Johnny Clarke
Ranking Joe
The Cables
Chezidek
Marlon Asher
Fully Fullwood Band
Quinto Sol
Fre3sty13
Good Over Evil Sound System
MC Junior Francis*
*Line-up subject to change

Birds, Culture, and the Freedom of Belonging: A Celebration with Makeda & Marilú
2026-02-26 17:30 - 20:00
San Diego Bird Festival 2026 Keynote:

For over 13 years, Makeda Cheatom of the WorldBeat Center and Marilú of Celebrate Urban Birds have walked a shared path—one where birds, culture, history, and science come together in joyful connection. What began as a citizen science project has grown into a community-led celebration of belonging, where people of all backgrounds come together to explore nature, share knowledge, and engage with science in meaningful ways.
We’ve learned that birding can be so much more than counting birds. It’s a chance to slow down, be present, listen deeply, and connect with the wisdom of our ancestors, the communities around us, and with ourselves. By bridging communities and scientific institutions, we create spaces where people can actively participate in, contribute to, and use science—while celebrating culture, heritage, and identity.

From the Harriet Tubman Freedom Bird Walks during Juneteenth to cross-cultural collaborations in Baja, our work shows what’s possible when music, art, science, gardening, and community come together with curiosity, care, and purpose. Join us as we share how this journey has transformed the way we bird, connect with each other, and experience the freedom of belonging.
