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CHICAGO—(December 13, 2024) – Malcolm X College, one of the seven City Colleges of Chicago, has a strong history of celebrating Kwanzaa and for more than 18 years. The celebration and marketplace will kick off on Thursday, December 26, 2024 through January 1, 2025. Daily hours are from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Every day at noon, the program starts with a Drum Call, Libation, recounting Kwanzaa history, lighting of the candles and sharing the principal of the day, culminating with a performance.
“I appreciate Malcolm X College for bringing our community together and strengthening our bonds through the celebration of Kwanzaa,” said Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson. “The seven days of Kwanzaa are a cherished time where we can reaffirm our unity and love for one another and uplift our cultural traditions. I hope this holiday season and Malcolm X Colleges’ celebration spreads warmth and peace throughout our city.”
“Our Kwanzaa celebration is an integral part of the culture of our community, our city and Malcolm X College. I’m honored to host this annual event and it is my hope that everyone takes advantage of this free offering and gathers with us to celebrate the importance and the historical significance of Kwanzaa,” said Dr. David Sanders, president of Malcolm X College.
Two very special events, Ms. Zenobia Black will be honored on December 27, and U.S. Representative Danny Davis will be honored on January 1, 2025. The program begins at noon on both days.
The performance schedule is as follows and start times are approximate:
Date Time Performer
Dec 26 12:30pm Najwa Dance Corps and the Windy City Ramblers
Dec 27 12:30pm Theophilus Reed and Band (Jazz)
Dec 28 12:30pm Khalidah’s North African Middle Eastern Dance
Dec 29 12:30pm Chi-Village Day
Dec 30 12:30pm Moya Cultural Arts Drum and Dance Group
Dec 31 12:30pm TOCA LIVE – Tony Carpenter
Jan 1, 2025 12:30pm Ayodele Drum and Dance
A children’s reading circle will also be held each day at 11:00 a.m.
The event celebrating Kwanzaa is free and open to the public and all will enjoy live performances and shopping, courtesy of local artisans. Items for sale include handmade and exquisite jewelry, African clothing, African inspired art, African drums, leather goods, pottery, traditional music instruments, specialty soaps and candles, more.
Kwanza is an annual celebration of African-American culture that is held from December 26 to January 1. It was created by Maulana Karenga and is rooted in the African Harvest festival traditions from various countries. Kwanzaa was first celebrated in 1966 and celebrates the seven principles of Kwanzaa, or Nguzo Saba. These seven principles comprise Kawaida, a Swahili word meaning “common philosophy.”
Each of the seven days of Kwanzaa is dedicated to one of the principles, as follows:
The Kwanzaa celebration and market will be held on the first floor of Malcolm X College, located at 1900 W. Jackson Boulevard in Chicago. Free parking with validation is available in Malcolm X College’s parking deck which can be accessed from Jackson Street. For more information or to RSVP, click on this link: Malcolm X: Kwanzaa 2024 – CCC