CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) — Tuesday was the beginning of Kwanzaa, and one of the places it's being celebrated over the next week is Malcolm X College on the Near West Side.
“Kwanzaa is a non-political, non-religious celebration, and we are just here to celebrate African people,” said Sydney Adams, a media specialist at Malcolm X College.
Adams also co-chairs the college's Kwanzaa celebration.
“Lighting up the candles that represent the Nguzo Saba, which are the seven days and the seven principles that reflect Kwanzaa, our meaning, and what we represent,” Adams said.
The seven principles of Kwanzaa are: unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity, and faith.
Malcolm X College’s event Kwanzaa celebration is free and open to the public and includes performances and shopping courtesy of local artisans.
Among those who set up shop inside of the college was Lea Afia Bempah, who was selling holistic plant medicine.
“This is a seven-day event, and I do expect there to be high attendance,” she said. “It always is. It’s the uplifting of African American traditions and culture. [It's] a celebration of community.”
Alan Hood, an ambassador to Malcolm X College who’s lived in Chicago for 75 years, said Kwanzaa is “open to everyone.” Malcolm X President David Sanders echoed that sentiment and said the holiday is about reflection.
“Reflecting about who we are, what are our values and principles … and ensuring that we’re living those values,” he said. “I think it’s a wonderful celebration, and it’s a wonderful event for people to come. Not just African American people. It’s all people, to remember why we’re here.”
Listen to our new podcast Looped In: Chicago
Listen to WBBM Newsradio now on Audacy!
Sign up and follow WBBM Newsradio
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram