ABOUT US
Kwanzaa365 Connection was founded to empower youth and strengthen communities by embodying the 7 principles of Kwanzaa—Unity, Self-Determination, Collective Work, Cooperative Economics, Purpose, Creativity, and Faith. Through year-round cultural arts programming, we aim to create enhanced social support, improved mental health, increased civic participation, and a greater sense of fulfillment in our community.
Meet the Founder: Imani Poole, LCSW
Imani Poole is a dynamic dancer, nonprofit founder, and Executive Director whose passion for community engagement and empowerment is at the heart of everything she does. With over 20 years of experience in West African dance and a career dedicated to social work, Imani has brought her love for culture, dance, and community building to Savannah, GA. From her studies at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro to her travels to Guinea for advanced training in traditional dance, Imani's journey has been driven by a desire to help others connect to their roots and find healing through movement.
She has built Kwanzaa365 Connection as a platform to share these gifts with the world, creating safe and vibrant spaces for youth and communities to thrive. Imani’s work is grounded in unity, connectedness, creativity, and faith, values she embodies in every program and project she leads.
Board Members
Melissa Williams
Mary Williams-Stove
Our Story: A Journey Rooted in Culture,
Empowerment, and Community
Kwanzaa365 Connection was born out of a deep desire to create year-round opportunities for the African American community to connect with their cultural roots, empower the next generation, and foster unity through the guiding principles of Kwanzaa. Founded by Imani Poole, LCSW, a dedicated community leader, dancer, and social worker, the organization began as a way to celebrate more than just the holiday of Kwanzaa itself—it was a commitment to live out its principles every day.
Imani's vision for Kwanzaa365 Connection came from her personal journey of blending her love for African dance, cultural pride, and holistic wellness with her work as a clinical social worker. After years of teaching African dance, working with youth, and serving communities in North Carolina and Virginia, Imani moved to Savannah, Georgia, in 2021. She noticed a gap: while Kwanzaa was celebrated during its traditional holiday season, there was a need for ongoing cultural programming that would keep the spirit of Kwanzaa alive throughout the year. In 2024, Kwanzaa365 Connection was officially founded as a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering youth, promoting mental wellness, and strengthening communities through cultural arts programming. Guided by the seven principles of Kwanzaa, Imani set out to build a space where youth and adults could thrive, learn, and connect with their African heritage. Today, Kwanzaa365 Connection offers year-round events, dance classes, wellness workshops, and mentorship programs that engage hundreds of community members in Savannah.
Impact on the Savannah Community:
Since its founding, Kwanzaa365 Connection has become a vital part of Savannah’s cultural fabric. From the Afro-Rhythm Dance & Wellness Conference
to the Work It Wednesday, African dance classes, the organization has:
- Reached 500+ youth through cultural education programs and mentorship opportunities.Hosted 10+ community-wide events, bringing people together to celebrate African arts, dance, and wellness.
- Partnered with local health professionals to provide holistic health services and promote mental wellness within the African American community.
- Built strong connections between youth, families, and the broader Savannah community through programs designed to strengthen cultural pride, physical health, and mental resilience.
Kwanzaa365 Connection’s mission is not only to celebrate African heritage but also to create a supportive environment where people of all ages can find healing, empowerment, and connection. Each event, program, and partnership furthers our commitment to making a lasting impact in Savannah.
Core Values: The 7 Principles of Kwanzaa
at the Heart of Our Work
At the heart of Kwanzaa365 Connection is the deep belief that the 7 principles of Kwanzaa—known as the Nguzo Saba—can guide our lives and transform our communities. These principles are more than just words; they are the foundation of everything we do. They shape our programming, direct our community outreach, and influence our approach to youth empowerment and cultural education.
1. Umoja (Unity):
At Kwanzaa365 Connection, we believe that unity is the cornerstone of a strong, empowered community. We work to bring people together—youth, adults, and families—by creating spaces where all can come to feel connected, supported, and valued. Whether it’s through our dance classes, wellness programs, or cultural events, fostering a sense of belonging is key to our mission.
Our Work It Wednesday
classes offer a space for people of all ages to come together, exercise, and share in the joy of African dance. Each step is a testament to the power of unity in movement and purpose.
2. Kujichagulia (Self-Determination):
We empower individuals, especially youth, to define themselves and shape their own futures. Through mentorship and cultural programming, we encourage participants to embrace their identity and heritage, develop self-confidence, and take ownership of their paths.
Our youth mentorship program pairs young participants with experienced mentors who guide them in leadership development, creative expression, and goal setting, fostering self-determination in every interaction.
Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility):
We are committed to building a community where each person understands their responsibility to work with and for the collective good. Kwanzaa365 Connection promotes collaboration, teamwork, and service, encouraging individuals to uplift one another for the benefit of all.
Our community events, such as the Afro-Rhythm Dance & Wellness Conference, are designed to bring together health professionals, artists, and community leaders, working collectively to serve the physical and mental health needs of the community.
4. Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics):
Economic empowerment is vital to the sustainability of our community. Kwanzaa365 Connection partners with local Black-owned businesses, provides platforms for artisans and vendors, and offers educational programs to promote cooperative economics and build financial literacy within the community.
At our vendor markets, local entrepreneurs have the opportunity to showcase their products and services, reinforcing our commitment to cooperative economics and the growth of local Black businesses.
5. Nia (Purpose):
Our purpose is to uplift and empower youth and communities through cultural arts. We are intentional in our programming, ensuring that every activity, class, and event aligns with our goal of creating a brighter, more united future for the Savannah community.
Every year, we host a week-long Kwanzaa Celebration that focuses on nurturing purpose in our youth through cultural performances, workshops, and discussions about heritage, community, and leadership.
6. Kuumba (Creativity):
Creativity is at the heart of our work, driving everything from our African dance classes to our cultural arts programming. We believe that creative expression is a powerful tool for personal growth and community healing, and we encourage participants to tap into their artistic abilities to bring beauty, joy, and change to the world.
Our Cultural Arts Workshops allow participants to explore traditional African crafts, drumming, and storytelling, helping them discover and nurture their creative potential.
7. Imani (Faith):
Faith in ourselves, in our community, and in our shared future is what fuels Kwanzaa365 Connection. We believe in the strength of our culture and the ability of our community to overcome challenges, grow, and thrive. This faith guides our programs and gives us the resilience to continue serving, even in the face of adversity.
Through our programs, we aim to build both physical and mental resilience in our participants, reinforcing their faith in themselves and their ability to create positive change.
