Kwanzaa Crawl is a movement that was created by Kerry Coddett and Krystal Stark. The aim of this movement is to bring unity and awareness all under the seven principles of Kwanzaa. Kwanzaa Crawl is a one-day event bringing people of the African diaspora together to support Black owned businesses in their communities. We were truly delighted to experience such a feeling of togetherness amongst one union. The vibe and energy was so electric it pulsated through from one individual to the next once as soon as you entered registration.
The creativity in the attire that people displayed was definitely forms of expressions that said “Yes I Am Here”. This Kwanzaa Crawl is not your ordinary bar crawl, so please make that known! After registration there is a celebration held expressing the seven principles of Kwanzaa. Umoja, Kujichagulia, Ujima, Ujamaa, Nia, Kuumba and Imani. This movement is so well organized. Each person participating in the Kwanzaa Crawl is assigned to a team with a team leader which has designated locations for their group to attend. Each team leader we met had a bull horn creating a sign of awareness stating “let’s do this my people” and keep up while your at it (lol).
Please keep in mind teams were singing as they were in the streets of Harlem creating a synergy that was unbelievable. The black owned businesses that opened their doors so that this union could be celebrated and allowed us to honor them were Lenox Sapphire, Shrine, Gin Fizz, Cove Lounge and Harlem Hookah. Each and every one of them truly welcomed the teams with open arms. Each establishment had a personal DJ that kept everyone on their feet the entire time that was allotted to stay at one venue. My staff and I at Get It For Less were so intrigued by the unity and the selflessness that was involved in this movement. We can see where this has definitely taken our communities, and this is only the beginning stages of the third year. Krystal & Kerry thank you for opening up your lives, creating and making your vision a reality. We can’t wait to see what is in store next year.
