As Chicago ushered in the first day of Kwanzaa, the city came alive with a series of events dedicated to embracing and celebrating the spirit of the holiday. Across Chicago, communities gathered to honor Kwanzaa, a festive period centered around themes of peace, unity, and togetherness.
The atmosphere was electric at Malcolm X College on Friday, where residents came together to kick off the weeklong celebration. The event highlighted the essence of Kwanzaa, a cultural tradition that has been bringing generations together for over five decades.
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Inside the college, the vibrant sounds of Kwanzaa resonated, enveloping attendees in a rich tapestry of music, dance, and storytelling. This annual gathering serves as a reminder of the shared cultural heritage and the enduring bonds within the community.
Jezail Jackson of Jewels By Giselle captured the sentiment of many when she said, “For us, it’s a time to remember our roots, where we came from. We may not know exactly what country in Africa our ancestors are from, but it’s a time we can come together.” Her words echoed the deeper meaning of Kwanzaa, which draws people together to reflect on their shared history and collective aspirations.
For more than twenty years, Malcolm X College has been a beacon of Kwanzaa celebrations, hosting the seven-day festival filled with music, food, arts, and cultural heritage. This enduring tradition continues to foster a sense of unity and reflection, enriching the lives of all who participate.
Malcolm X College has hosted its Kwanzaa celebration for more than two decades, a seven-day festival of music, food, arts, culture and heritage.
Jackson is a vendor who crafts handmade bracelets.
“Just the idea of braiding, I feel like culturally connected and I feel it in my heart, so I appreciate the ability to come and showcase the work that I do,” Jackson said.
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“It’s a part of their lives and it’s a part of their tradition and a part of their culture and their heritage and they want to come back,” said Sydney Adams with Malcom X College.
Local photographer Rodney Wright of Image Makers Photography says he’s set up shop at Malcolm X College going on 15 years during Kwanzaa.
“I want them to walk away with the values of Kwanzaa which is sharing, love and community,” Wright said.
He says his personal mission as a photographer to capture love highlights what Kwanzaa is all about.
“You look around and it’s the spirit of Kwanzaa,” Wright said. “It’s the music, the food and everything. It brings you back.”
Celebrated from December 26 through January 1, Kwanzaa is a holiday founded in 1966 as a celebration of African heritage and culture. It focuses on seven principles: Unity, Self-Determination, Collective Work, Cooperative Economics, Purpose, Creativity and Faith.
Kwanzaa is not a religious holiday, so it’s observed by people from different religious backgrounds.
“This is an opportunity to come together with community,” said Barbara Meschino with Malcom X College “I’m really passionate about being in community, so this is a great way to be in community.”
In the city’s Bronzeville neighborhood, families gathered to tell stories, to sing and to spend time together, highlighting what Kwanzaa is really all about.
“What it personally means to me is respecting the principles that Kwanzaa does and means,” said Pam Morris-Walton with the Bronzeville Children’s Museum. “They get to do arts and crafts. They get to sing. They do a candlelight performance.”
Kwanzaa celebrations continue Saturday at Malcolm X College. Daily programming begins at 10 a.m. and runs until 6 p.m.
