Kwanzaa celebration and vendor fair

A Kwanzaa event put on by the Fresh Foods Interest Group (FFIG), will be held Friday, December 31, 2021 from 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm at Rochelle Middle School.

“It's observed yearly from December 26th to January 1st.” Says Dr. Kim McNair, “We've chosen to make our Kwanzaa celebration highlight our unique local Black agricultural heritage and food ways.”

This is not the first Kwanzaa celebration in Kinston, NC but it is FFIG's first Kwanzaa event. Participates can expect lots of food, fellowshipping, and shopping. Vendors include, hand-made products/crafts, customized products, clothing & retail, and food.

“We want Black farmers and vendors in the ENC area to get exposure.” Says McNair, “Attendees will learn about the history of Kwanzaa as a cultural ​celebration and its relevance to Black agricultural heritage in particular. They will also learn about small Black-owned businesses in the area and how they can support them.”

The event will also include speakers representing local Black business, dancers, as well as live music.

“The African American community has to see itself reflected in the local economy as not only consumers but as business owners and self-reliant producers of their own food,” said McNair.

The FFIG group is invested in issues of food justice and Black agricultural heritage.

“FFIG is a multi-skilled group of volunteers.” Says McNair, “We are a not-for-profit community group committed to bringing access to fresh food and produce to Southeast Kinston, NC, which has not had a full-grocery store for 20 years.”

The group includes former residents of Southeast Kinston, current Kinston residents, area Black farmers and landowners, representatives from local non-profit organizations, and Churches.

“Over the past two years FFIG has had conversations about building toward a possible community garden & subscription program, Black Farmers Market pop up or eventually a co-op grocery store in the Southeast Kinston area,” said McNair. “This event will help us connect with community, find out what they want in the area, and work with them on how to make that a reality.”

Vendor costs are $25 info table and $50 to be a vendor. There are also opportunities for barter and co-sponsoring.