Light & Liberation: A Kwanzaa Christmas Cantata

Name: Light & Liberation: A Kwanzaa Christmas Cantata
Start: 2025-12-13T18:00:00-06:00
Location: Bethel AME Church - Champaign

Schedule

Sat, 13 Dec, 2025 at 06:00 pm

UTC-06:00

Location

Bethel AME Church - Champaign | Champaign, IL

Where Faith and Community Come Together!
Join us for a powerful, family-friendly cantata that weaves the Nativity story with the Seven Principles of Kwanzaa—Umoja, Kujichagulia, Ujima, Ujamaa, Nia, Kuumba, and Imani. Through gospel choir and sacred Black hymns, African drums, spoken word, dance, and dramatic narration, Light & Liberation celebrates faith, culture, and community healing. Guided by the voices of “Bibi & Babu,” the story unfolds with candle lightings, call-and-response, and moments of hope you’ll feel long after the final “Amen.”
This event is a fundraiser for The Well Experience, in partnership with Bethel AME Church. Your ticket helps support community-centered programming and engagement.
Two Performances:
Saturday, December 13, 2025 • 6:00 PM
Sunday, December 14, 2025 • 4:00 PM
Location:
Bethel AME Church
401 E Park St, Champaign, IL 61820
Tickets:
General Admission: $10
Children (12 & under): $5
Seniors (65 and older): $7
General admission seating. Doors open 30 minutes before showtime.
Run time: approximately 75–90 minutes (no intermission).
What to Expect:
- Community choir & lead vocalists
- African drum ensemble and “dancing candles” for each Kwanzaa principle
- Youth & adult actors, spoken word, and vibrant storytelling
- A reverent, joyful celebration of the birth of Jesus and Black cultural pride
Good to Know:
• Family-friendly; great for ages 6+
• Please, no flash photography during the performance.
• Holiday/Kwanzaa attire welcome!
• For group reservations of 15 or more, please email [email protected].
Come ready to clap, sing, and be inspired. Thank you for supporting The Well Experience and this community celebration of Light & Liberation!