WorldBeat Center Official Website

Sri Chinmoy Oneness-Home Peace Run
2026-06-02 09:00 - 12:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | Multiple Locations, San Diego, CA, United States
Join WorldBeat Cultural Center in welcoming the Sri Chinmoy Oneness-Home Peace Run, a global torch relay dedicated to peace, unity, and international friendship. Since its founding, the Peace Run has traveled through nearly every country in the world, inspiring millions through the simple yet powerful message of harmony among people and nations.
On Tuesday, June 2, 2026, the Peace Run will make its way through San Diego with a special stop in Balboa Park and at WorldBeat Cultural Center’s Peace Tree at 2100 Park Blvd. Community members are invited to cheer on the runners, carry the Peace Torch, and take part in the celebration honoring peace and cultural connection.
San Diego Schedule

9:30 AM – Peace Run Team begins at the Sri Chinmoy Peace Garden (Adams Ave. & Arizona St.)
10:30 AM – Balboa Park, corner of Zoo Drive & Park Blvd. Community runners join the torch relay to the International Cottages
11:00 AM – Peace Run Ceremony & Torch Bearer Awards at the Hall of Nations
12:15 PM – Peace Run arrives at the WorldBeat Cultural Center Peace Tree

This free community event is presented in partnership with the Sri Chinmoy Oneness-Home Peace Run, International Cottages, House of Pacific Relations, and UNA-USA San Diego Chapter.

Black Birders Week at Chollas Lake
2026-05-30 09:00 - 11:00 | WorldBeat Center, 2100 Park Blvd, San Diego, 92101, United States
WorldBeat Cultural Center is excited to partner with the SoCal Bird Nerds and San Diego Bird Alliance for a free guided community bird walk at Chollas Lake Park on Saturday, May 30 from 9AM–11AM as part of Black Birders Week.
Founded in 2020, Black Birders Week highlights the intersection of birds, people, and environmental justice while celebrating Black birders, naturalists, scientists, and outdoor enthusiasts. This year’s theme, Flyways & Freedom: Advocacy, Action, and the Future, reflects on migration, movement, and what freedom could look like if everyone could move through outdoor spaces without barriers.
This community gathering invites participants to slow down, connect with local wildlife and native habitat, and experience the beauty of one of San Diego’s treasured neighborhood outdoor spaces. Together, we hope to inspire environmental stewardship, community connection, and neighborhood pride by encouraging residents to explore and care for the natural spaces in their own community.
No experience is necessary — everyone is welcome to join this free, family-friendly outdoor experience.
About meeting poin
📍 Chollas Lake Park, 6350 College Grove Dr, San Diego, 92115
(Meet by park office (Near fishing dock))
Accessibility & Amenities:
The trail includes flat, paved, and hard-packed dirt paths suitable for wheelchairs and strollers. Restrooms, drinking water, and free parking are available. The site is accessible by public transit via MTS Trolley Orange Line (Euclid Ave) and Bus Route 955. Binoculars will be available.

Fruiting Bodies
2026-05-15 15:00 - 17:30 | WorldBeat Center, 2100 Park Blvd, San Diego, 92101, United States
SPRING TOUR 2026 • Fruiting Bodies w/ Mama de la Myco • May 15th • SAN DIEGO, CA
$25.00 – $45.00

Select optionstandard donation sliding scale pay it forward

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🍄 FRUITING BODIES :: A SENTIENT + SENSORY CYPHER ON SACRED FUNGI 🍄
co-taught by Ash Ritter & Mama de la Myco!
SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA
May 15th, 2026 • 3pm -5:30pm
Join Ash & Mikaela for a spirited conversation on two of the most well loved yet exhaustively commodified “magic mushrooms”- Psilocybe and Amanita muscaria.
We are living bodies of knowledge. Alas, the attempt to neatly package medicines, sacraments, revolutions, and evolutions compresses the very nature of how we discuss, research, and meme’ify the mycelial message.
Beyond the drive for productivity and the marketing towards individual healing, there is a direct, felt experience available to us IN RELATIONSHIP, where we can meet the mushrooms as students, as kin, and as breathing, intertwined fruiting bodies, surging from the underground.
Join us for teachings uplifting an embodied feminine perspective, traditional songs and group conversation at the famous World Beat Center in their beautiful ethnobotany garden!
🖤 Secure your sliding-scale tickets below 🖤
Cash is welcome at the door as capacity permits. Advance registration is definitely recommended! Scholarships available upon request. We will be gathering outdoors, so bring what suits your level of coziness.
The WB cafe will be open until 6pm, so come early for lunch, or a nice beverage!

Community Market - May
2026-05-10 12:00 - 17:00 | WorldBeat Center, 2100 Park Blvd, San Diego, 92101, United States
Come & Support our Local Artisans by look & buy their Handmade works of art, organic produce, music, food, massage, tarot, and more!
Every second Sunday of the month
Free

Lavva - Incense Making Workshop and Sound Healing Activation
2026-05-10 12:00 - 15:00 | WorldBeat Center, 2100 Park Blvd, San Diego, 92101, United States
An afternoon to create, connect, and reset 🌿
WorldBeat welcomes Lavva for a sensory experience in the garden — blending sound, movement, and hands-on ritual.
✨ Craft your own incense
🌸 Explore floral creation
🍊 Sip fresh-pressed juice
🌙 Drop into a guided womb meditation
🎶 Sound healing + live performance
📅 Sunday, May 10
⏰ 12–3 PM
📍 WorldBeat Cultural Center
Step out of the rush and into something intentional.
All are welcome.

Rhythm of The Earth Music Festival
2026-05-09 13:00 - 21:30 | Deer Park Monastery, 2499 Melru Lane, Escondido, CA 92026, United States
Rhythm of The Earth Music Festival

A celebration of music, mindfulness, and community, hosted at Deer Park, this joyful gathering brings together people of all ages for a day filled with live music, walking meditation, and delicious food — all set against the serene backdrop of Hidden Mountain. Proceeds from the event support meaningful projects at Deer Park.
Deer Park Monastery is excited to announce its upcoming Third Annual Mindful Music Festival, “Rhythm of the Earth.” This musical celebration of community power will take place on May 9th from 1:00 PM to 9:30 PM PDT at Deer Park Monastery. All proceeds from the festival will support the Thich Nhat Hanh School of Interbeing, a new K-8 school integrating mindfulness, emotional intelligence, and academic excellence.
The festival will showcase live music performed at breathtaking natural locations throughout the 400-acre monastery by a diverse group of talented artists. Attendees will also engage in various mindful activities throughout the day, such as walking meditation through the valley from one performance to the next, mindful eating with Vietnamese vegan banh mi sandwiches, land blessing, and sitting meditation to close the evening in silence.
For those unable to attend in person, a portion of the festival will be live-streamed from 5:30pm to 9:30pm.

Lineup
Born I
Alyson Greenfield
Free Cloud Collective, an all-star ensemble featuring Alex Cline, Joshua White, Dwight Trible, Chris DiMeglio, and Peter Kuhn
Joe Reilly and the Community Gardeners
Nhu-Mai Nguyen
WorldBeat Center’s African Drum and Dance Ensemble
Tribal Land Acknowledgement and Drum Circle
Chamsori Drummers
Deer Park Choir and Monastic band
Most of our lineup includes Plum Village mindfulness practitioners, including four Lay Dharma Teachers, infusing the entire festival with the energy of mindfulness and compassion for all beings.

Stay Ready- Open Jam
2026-05-01 19:00 - 22:00, 2026-04-03 19:00 - 22:00 | WorldBeat Center, 2100 Park Blvd, San Diego, 92101, United States
Open Jam • Dance • Social
WorldBeat Cultural Center creates the space—
you bring the energy.
Musicians, singers, dancers, poets, rappers…
this is where community comes to life.
Practice. Play. Express. Connect.
All ages welcome.
Improvisational vibes all night, hosted by Fre3sty13.

WorldBeat Center's 34th Annual Global Earth Day Festival
2026-04-19 11:00 - 18:00 | WorldBeat Center, 2100 Park Blvd, San Diego, 92101, United States
WorldBeat Cultural Center’s 34th Annual Global Earth Day Festival
Sunday, April 19, 2026 | 11AM – 6PM
WorldBeat Cultural Center | Balboa Park, San Diego
Join us for WorldBeat Cultural Center’s 34th Annual Global Earth Day Festival, a vibrant celebration of the diversity of people, plants, animals, and ecosystems that make up our planet.
For more than three decades, WorldBeat Center has brought together music, culture, and environmental education to celebrate Earth Day and inspire community action. Rooted in the belief that caring for the Earth also means honoring cultural traditions, the festival highlights the deep connection between environmental stewardship, indigenous knowledge, and global cultural expression.
This year’s celebration features live world music, cultural performances, environmental speakers, wellness experiences, and interactive garden activities in our Ethnobotany Sanctuary Garden. Local environmental organizations and coalitions will also be present sharing resources and opportunities to get involved in protecting our region’s biodiversity.

Featured Artists
Kabaka Pyramid – Grammy Award Winner
Jamaican artist Kabaka Pyramid is one of the leading voices in modern roots reggae, known for blending reggae and hip-hop with powerful messages of cultural pride, social justice, and conscious living. His Grammy-winning album “The Kalling,” produced by Damian Marley, has helped carry forward the legacy of roots reggae to a new generation. Kabaka Pyramid’s music uplifts themes of unity, empowerment, and respect for the Earth.
The Stinkfoot Orchestra
The Stinkfoot Orchestra is a dynamic 14-piece ensemble dedicated to performing the music of legendary composer Frank Zappa. Featuring a full horn section and powerhouse musicians, the band recreates Zappa’s complex and genre-defying compositions with precision, humor, and energy. Their performances celebrate musical innovation across rock, jazz, funk, and experimental traditions.
Additional performances by Mariea Antoinette, Sol Remedy, and Junkyard Dance Crew.
Cultural Showcases

Japanese Taiko Drumming – San Diego Taiko
Hip Hop Dance – Junkyard Dance Crew
West African Drum & Dance
Middle Eastern Drum & Dance
Brazilian Samba – Super Sonic Samba
Native American Blessing & Drumming – Tim Red Bird and the Red Warriors
Earth Poetry – Jonnierenee Nia Nelson
Supported in part by a grant from Poets & Writers

Earth Day Keynote Speaker
Kemi Pavlocak – Beekeeper, Entrepreneur, Educator
Kemi Pavlocak is the founder of Savage Bee-ches, a San Diego–based honey company and educational platform dedicated to protecting pollinators. Through beekeeping, workshops, and community education, she teaches the critical role bees play in sustaining biodiversity and our global food systems. Her work highlights the importance of protecting native habitats so native bees and other pollinators can thrive.
Ethnobotany Sanctuary Garden Activities

Community Seed Swap
Morning Bird Walk
Guided Garden Tours
Wellness and Healing Modalities with Local Practitioners
Children’s Earth Art & Craft Activities

Festival Highlights

All-Vegetarian Food Court
Multicultural and Wellness Vendors
Environmental Information Booths from Local Organizations and Coalitions

Free community event. All ages welcome.
Line-up and activities subject to change.
Follow the links below to sign up to volunteer or become a vendor.

Vendor applications for crafts, food and informational ARE NOW LIVE

Community Market - April - Canceled Due to Weather
2026-04-12 12:00 - 17:00 | WorldBeat Center, 2100 Park Blvd, San Diego, 92101, United States
Come & Support our Local Artisans by look & buy their Handmade works of art, organic produce, music, food, massage, tarot, and more!
Free

Seeds of Herbalism - An Introduction to the Art & Science of Herbalism
2026-04-11 10:00 - 12:30, 2026-04-04 10:00 - 12:30, 2026-03-28 10:00 - 12:30, 2026-03-21 10:00 - 12:30, 2026-03-14 10:00 - 12:30, 2026-03-07 10:00 - 12:30 | WorldBeat Center, 2100 Park Blvd, San Diego, 92101, United States
Seeds of Herbalism – An Introduction to the Art & Science of Herbalism
Class begins March 7th

A 6 week introduction to the art and science of herbalism. This course is for anyone that wants to build a foundation of learning in herbalism. This class will be a strong foundation for further exploration into herbalism, plant spirit connections and medicinal plants.

Connect with yourself.
Connect with the plants.
Connect with green hearted folks.

Curriculum:

Building Connections | Plant Spirit Communication & Meditation
Traditions | How to study herbs | Vitalism | Four Directions Model of learning
Self-Study | Plant Profiles | Resources | Finding your way in the chatter
12+ Herbs | Growing & Wildcrafting & Purchasing | Experiential Learning
Energetics | Actions | Formula Theory
Recipes & Formulas | Home Herbalism by the seasons

Details: 6 Saturdays March 7, 14, 21, 28, April 4, 11
Time: 10:00am – 12:30pm
Location: World Beat Center Ethnobotany Peace Garden
Limited space sign up early!

Learn More and sign up:

Samba with Renowned Sllyek de Bahia
2026-03-21 19:00 - 21:00 | WorldBeat Center, 2100 Park Blvd, San Diego, 92101, United States
Experience the Vibrant Spirit of Brazil with Sllyek de Bahia

Join Sllyek de Bahia, visiting from Salvador, Bahia, as he welcomes you into the heart of Brazilian culture. His class celebrates the deep African roots that have shaped Brazil’s music, rhythm, and dance traditions.

You’ll begin with a dynamic warm-up before exploring a variety of dance styles from different regions of Brazil, including:

• Samba Reggae
• Samba de Roda
• Samba no Pé

Feel the pulse of the drums—echoes of the Mother Land—that will move and inspire you throughout the class.

Sllyek brings a wealth of experience as the former choreographer for the world‑renowned Brazilian group OLODUM, sharing authentic movement, history, and joy in every step.

The Neighborhood Kids: Kids In The Cages - Music Video Premiere & Concert!
2026-03-13 19:00 - 23:00 | WorldBeat Center, 2100 Park Blvd, San Diego, 92101, United States
TNK WORLD PREMIERE, “Kids in the Cages” video screening March 13 at The World Beat Center. Doors 7pm. GET THEM KIDS UP OUT THE CAGES!!!

The Neighborhood Kids present the world premiere of their “Kids in the Cages” music video, directed by Mighty Muds, Big K Film Label and TNK.
This is not just a screening, it is a statement. TNK is pulling the community together with a live performance, followed by the music video premiere immediately after.
Expect high energy, conscious lyrics, and a room built on solidarity. TNK is standing up for children’s rights and immigrant rights. No ICE, no cages, and no silence!
100% of proceed will go to Immigrant Defenders, defending immigrant communities against injustices in the immigration system. Come early, bring your people, and be part of the moment.

Birds, Culture, and the Freedom of Belonging: A Celebration with Makeda & Marilú
2026-02-26 17:30 - 20:00 | WorldBeat Center, 2100 Park Blvd, San Diego, 92101, United States
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.

Shadowlight Live
2026-02-22 17:00 - 19:00 | WorldBeat Center, 2100 Park Blvd, San Diego, 92101, United States
The inaugural “Shadowlight Live” will be raising friends, volunteers, supporters and funds to provide music scholarships through the “Jamie Shadowlight Legacy Fund” while also celebrating the birthday of our dear friend and extraordinary artist, Jamie Shadowlight!! It’s an event like no other, and we want you to be there!

The evening will be MC’d by Jefferson Jay featuring musical performances by Sacha Boutros, Steph Johnson, Julia Sage, Santiago Orozco and the Shadowlight Band with Special Guest, Grammy-Award winner Larry Mitchell on guitar. We will also have special presentations by Jamie’s former students (now professional musicians) Sophia Bacino and Tommy Ragen, and an exclusive release of Jamie’s new music. Supporting musicians/singers joining us will be Irving Flores on piano, Monette Marino on percussion, Kofi Andoh on percussion, AB Navarez on percussion, Tada Hirano on bass, Jacob Russo on drums, Michelle Lerach on vocals and more…

Every registration to this event will bring us closer to achieving our mission. Together, we can create a brighter, more compassionate world for all through the creation and innovation of music.

Thank you for supporting our mission, your support is invaluable.

45th Tribute to the Reggae Legends/ Bob Day
2026-02-21 15:00 - 23:59 | WorldBeat Center, 2100 Park Blvd, San Diego, 92101, United States
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
Marlon Asher
Ranking Joe
Chezidek
Studio One – The Cables
Fully Fullwood Band
Quinto Sol
Ginger Roots
Fre3sty13
Good Over Evil Sound System*
*Line-up subject to change

45th Tribute to the Reggae Legends/ Bob Day
2026-02-20 19:00 - 23:59 | WorldBeat Center, 2100 Park Blvd, San Diego, 92101, United States
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

Black Comix Day 2026
2026-02-14 10:00 - 18:00 | WorldBeat Center, 2100 Park Blvd, San Diego, 92101, United States
Feb 14th and Feb 15th
10am-6pm

Black Comix Day is a FREE 2 day event highlighting creators of African Descent in the arts of Comic Books, Animation & Film.

BCD 2026 is FREE ADMISSION to all. Parking is FREE (Located directly across the street.) Food is available inside the Worldbeat Center and within 2 blocks of the location. Activites for children such as gaming will be accessible as well. The main floor will feature various Black Creators in Comics, Fine Arts and Animation.

Native Planting Party at WorldBeat Center
2026-02-08 09:00 - 12:00 | WorldBeat Center, 2100 Park Blvd, San Diego, 92101, United States
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

SoCal Bird Nerds Bird Walk
2026-02-08 08:00 - 10:00 | WorldBeat Center, 2100 Park Blvd, San Diego, 92101, United States
Join SoCal Bird Nerds and WorldBeat Cultural Center for a refreshing morning of birdwatching within Balboa Park. Each walk begins at WorldBeat Center’s ethnobotany peace garden. Whether you’re an experienced birder or brand new to the practice, this outing offers a welcoming space to explore nature, learn together, and connect with the birds that call our urban oasis home.
What to Expect
Participants will be guided through lush canyon pathways and garden areas where a variety of local and migratory birds can be spotted. Bring your binoculars, curiosity, and love for the outdoors!
Meeting Point
Meet in front of the WorldBeat Center by the main entrance.
Parking is available across the street in the large Inspiration Point lot. A short walk leads directly to the WorldBeat Center.

Location: WorldBeat Cultural Center, Balboa Park
Address: 2100 Park Blvd., San Diego, CA 92101

Tribute to the Reggae Legends / Bob Day Pre-Party
2026-02-07 20:30 - 22:00 | WorldBeat Center, 2100 Park Blvd, San Diego, 92101, United States
Join us for a special Tribute to the Reggae Legends Pre-Party, a night of deep roots, conscious vibration, and community gathering at WorldBeat Cultural Center. We’re honored to welcome Dezarie, live and direct from the Virgin Islands, bringing her powerful voice, spiritual fire, and unwavering message of love, justice, and liberation.

37th Annual Martin Luther King Day Celebration
2026-01-19 11:30 - 17:30 | WorldBeat Center, 2100 Park Blvd, San Diego, 92101, United States
WorldBeat Cultural Center Presents
The 37th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebration
Peace In Every Step
WorldBeat Cultural Center invites the community to gather in celebration of the life, legacy, and enduring message of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with our 37th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebration. This year’s theme, Peace In Every Step, honors the practice of peace as a daily, intentional act—one rooted in compassion, justice, and collective responsibility.
Dr. King was profoundly influenced by Thich Nhat Hanh, the Vietnamese Zen Buddhist monk, peace activist, and spiritual leader. Thich Nhat Hanh offered Dr. King a critical perspective on the Vietnam War, encouraging him to speak out against violence and injustice beyond U.S. borders. Their friendship deepened King’s understanding of nonviolence as a universal practice that transcended religion and culture, leading Dr. King to nominate Thich Nhat Hanh for the Nobel Peace Prize as an “apostle of peace.” After Dr. King’s passing, Thich Nhat Hanh vowed to continue this work, carrying forward the vision of the Beloved Community through mindfulness, compassion, and global solidarity.
This family-friendly community celebration will feature live music, cultural performances, guest speakers, a community market, and opportunities to reflect, connect, and move forward together in the spirit of peace.
Event Details
📅 Monday, January 19th
Doors: 11:30AM
Program: 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM
📍 WorldBeat Cultural Center
Featured Performers & Guests
-Native American Drum & Dance
-Aztec Drum & Dance
-African Drum & Dance
-Sankoh and the Rockaway Kings
-Mara Sulu
-Sol Remedy
-Pinnacle Roots
-Fre3styl3

Community Market - Martin Luther King Day
2026-01-19 11:00 - 16:00 | WorldBeat Center, 2100 Park Blvd, San Diego, 92101, United States
Come & Support our Local Artisans by look & buy their Handmade works of art, organic produce, music, food, massage, tarot, and more!

45th Annual Kwanzaa Celebration: December 29th, Ujamaa
2025-12-29 18:00 - 21:00 | 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.

45th Annual Kwanzaa Celebration: December 28th, Ujima
2025-12-28 18:00 - 21:00 | 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.
Each evening will be hosted by MC Selah Black Sol and Sidiqa Hooker
Day 3: Sunday, December 28th: Ujima, Collective Work & Responsibility

Keynote Speakers and Performer
Ayanna Gregory
Ayanna Gregory is an educator, singer, dramatist, and activist whose work is rooted in healing, truth-telling, and the legacy of the Civil Rights Movement. The daughter of human rights icon Dick Gregory, she uses music, theater, and storytelling to create transformative experiences that inspire courage, community, and self-love. Through works such as Daughter of the Struggle and her global Change Maker programs, Gregory continues to uplift audiences and empower new generations committed to justice and collective healing.
Shugri Said Salh
Shugri Said Salh is an award-winning author, nurse, and cultural storyteller whose memoir The Last Nomad chronicles her extraordinary journey from the Somali desert to life in the United States. Rooted in the oral traditions she learned from her grandmother, her work preserves Somali stories of resilience, identity, and survival while advocating for cultural memory and human connection. A recipient of multiple literary honors, Salh continues her mission as a storyteller, nurse, and community archivist in San Diego.
Performance by Tebe Zalango
Tebe Zalango brings the vibrant rhythms, songs, and movement of East Africa to the stage through powerful traditional performance. Their dynamic ensemble channels cultural pride, history, and community celebration through music and dance.

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.
