Your 2024 Guide to Events, Performances, and Community Gatherings
Dec. 26, 2024
Malcolm X College Kwanzaa Celebration and Marketplace
Time: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. (Daily through Jan. 1, 2025)
Location: Malcolm X College, 1900 W. Jackson Blvd, Chicago, IL
Details: The celebration kicks off with a Drum Call, Libation, and the lighting of the candles at noon, followed by a performance featuring the Najwa Dance Corps and Windy City Ramblers at 12:30 p.m. Enjoy shopping from local artisans offering African-inspired art, jewelry, and crafts.
Bronzeville Children’s Museum Kwanzaa Celebration
Time: 1 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Location: 9301 South Stony Island Avenue, Chicago, IL
Admission: $5.00 (Free for members)
Details: A family-friendly event featuring storytelling, music, face painting, and a visit from the Kwanzaa King.
2nd Annual Chi-Village Kwanzaa Celebration
Time: 1 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Location: Dr. Conrad Worrill Track & Field Center, 10201 S. Cottage Grove Ave, Chicago, IL
Details: Celebrate with over 40 vendors, wellness stations, community dance classes, and live performances, fostering unity and economic empowerment.
Dec. 27, 2024
Malcolm X College Kwanzaa Celebration
Time: 12:30 p.m.
Details: Jazz performance by Theophilus Reed and Band. Honoree: Ms. Zenobia Black.
Kwanzaa Groove: Zumba to Afrobeats
Time: 3 p.m. – 3:45 p.m.
Location: Coleman Center
Details: A fitness session blending Afrobeats with Zumba to celebrate movement and culture.
Dec. 28, 2024
Malcolm X College Kwanzaa Celebration
Time: 12:30 p.m.
Details: Khalidah’s North African Middle Eastern Dance performance.
Kwanzaa Open Mic and Art Exhibit
Time: 3 p.m.
Location: POSE Cultural Art Gallery, 2136 W. Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL
Details: A showcase of poetry, visual art, and performances by local creatives.
The Shields Tribe Annual Kwanzaa Celebration
Time: 3 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Location: Palos Park Recreation Center, 8901 W. 123rd St, Palos Park, IL
Details: Family-friendly festivities with music, dance, and food.
Kwanzaa Celebration at The African American Museum at The England Manor
Time: 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Location: North Elementary School, 410 Franklin St, Waukegan, IL
Details: A cultural event featuring food, music, and community engagement.
Dec. 29, 2024
Malcolm X College Kwanzaa Celebration
Time: 12:30 p.m.
Details: Chi-Village Day performance.
ALYO Family Kwanzaa Celebration
Time: 3 p.m.
Location: Online event via Eventbrite
Details: A virtual gathering focusing on Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics), featuring a communal feast and support for Black-owned businesses.
Dec. 30, 2024
Malcolm X College Kwanzaa Celebration
Time: 12:30 p.m.
Details: Performance by Moya Cultural Arts Drum and Dance Group.
Dec. 31, 2024
Malcolm X College Kwanzaa Celebration
Time: 12:30 p.m.
Details: TOCA LIVE featuring Tony Carpenter.
Jan. 1, 2025
Malcolm X College Kwanzaa Celebration
Time: 12:30 p.m.
Details: Ayodele Drum and Dance performance. Honoree: U.S. Representative Danny Davis.
Conclusion
This Kwanzaa season, Chicago offers countless opportunities to celebrate unity, creativity, and cultural pride. Whether attending a lively marketplace or participating in a community feast, there’s something for everyone to experience the spirit of Kwanzaa.
FAQs
Q: What is Kwanzaa?
A: Kwanzaa is a week-long celebration of African-American culture, heritage, and unity, created in 1966 by Dr. Maulana Karenga.
Q: What are the seven core principles of Kwanzaa?
A: The seven core principles, known as Nguzo Saba, emphasize values such as unity, self-determination, collective responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity, and faith.
Q: How can I get involved in Kwanzaa celebrations in Chicago?
A: Attend one of the many events and celebrations listed above, or explore local organizations and community centers that are hosting Kwanzaa events and activities.
