2021 African American Dance Ensemble KwanzaaFest: Virtual Tribute To Baba Chuck Davis

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Baba Chuck Davis

DURHAM, NC – For over 30 years, Baba Chuck Davis and the African American Dance Ensemble (AADE) have hosted an annual Kwanzaa event on New Year’s Day in Durham. The free community event is a cultural celebration, held on the last day of Kwanzaa, Imani, which translates as “Faith.”

Although the company’s founder, Baba Charles “Chuck” Davis, passed away making his transition in 2017, AADE continues its yearly tradition of bringing the community together and giving small black businesses a chance to shine. Baba Charles “Chuck” Davis was a highly respected and beloved community leader. January 1st also happens to be Baba Chuck Davis’ birthday, turning the event into a celebration of life, love, and a celebration for the founder.

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KwanzaaFest, held annually on Jan. 1, has been canceled for 2021. A virtual tribute to founder Baba Chuck  Davis is planned. (submitted)

The event, KwanzaaFest, is a family fun environment, promoting African American performing artists, as well as small businesses. The gathering is usually both an open market for vendors and a performing arts concert. The concert is filled with dancing, singing, poetry, and more. Artistic companies and artists from all over perform alongside the African American Dance Ensemble for a joyous showing of love, sharing, and inspiring entrepreneurship to begin the new year. 

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Members of AADE perform at the annual KwanzaaFest (submitted)

The family welcoming event has been canceled for the first time this year, due to covid -19 concerns and restrictions. The African American Dance Ensemble issued a short statement in reference to this year’s Kwanzaa event:

“Due to the pandemic and COVID restrictions, unfortunately, we will not be able to proceed with our planned Kwanzaa event. However, we are working hard to deliver a beautiful Kwanzaa tribute that will be shared on January 1st.”

The tribute will be shared on the companies Facebook, Instagram, and Website on January 1, 2021, from 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm. Please follow the company’s social media sites for more updates and information.