Malcolm X College to Host Weeklong Kwanzaa Celebration and Marketplace (Chicago, IL) – Malcolm X College will once again transform its campus into a hub of culture, commerce and community as it hosts a free, public Kwanzaa celebration and marketplace from Dec. 26, 2025, through Jan. 1, 2026.
The weeklong event, held daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the college’s campus at 1900 W. Jackson Blvd., centers on this year’s theme, “Building and Sustaining Community One Principle at a Time.”
The celebration is inspired by the Nguzo Saba, the seven principles of Kwanzaa, with each day highlighting one principle through performances, workshops and family-friendly programming.
Daily programming begins at noon with a Drum Call, libation, a recounting of Kwanzaa’s history, the lighting of the candles and reflection on the principle of the day. Live performances follow at approximately 1 p.m.
In addition to cultural programming, the event features a marketplace showcasing local artisans and vendors selling handmade jewelry, African clothing, African-inspired art, drums, pottery, leather goods, traditional musical instruments, specialty soaps, candles and more. Organizers say the marketplace is designed to uplift small businesses and reinforce the Kwanzaa principle of cooperative economics.
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson praised the college for continuing the tradition.
“I commend Malcolm X College for uniting our communities and honoring our heritage through the celebration of Kwanzaa,” Johnson said in a statement. “The seven days of Kwanzaa remind us of the enduring values of unity, self-determination and collective progress.”
Dr. David Sanders, president of Malcolm X College, said the annual event reflects both the institution’s mission and the broader spirit of the city.
“Our Kwanzaa celebration is a cherished tradition that reflects the culture and spirit of Malcolm X College and our entire city,” Sanders said. “We invite everyone to join us as we honor the history, values and enduring significance of Kwanzaa.”
Programming throughout the week includes reading circles for young children, interactive workshops, live performances and community discussions. Scheduled performers and partners include Najwa Dance Corps on Dec. 26; the Consulate General of the Republic of Haiti in Chicago on Dec. 27; Dr. Betty Shabazz International Charter School on Dec. 28; Chi-Village Day on Dec. 29; the Metropolitan Board of the Chicago Urban League and Liberated Arts Movement on Dec. 30; Artist Talks Culture and Collabs on Dec. 31; and Ayodele Drum and Dance on Jan. 1.
Kwanzaa, created in 1966 by Maulana Karenga, is an annual celebration of African American culture rooted in African harvest traditions. Each of its seven days is dedicated to one principle: Umoja (Unity), Kujichagulia (Self-Determination), Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility), Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics), Nia (Purpose), Kuumba (Creativity) and Imani (Faith).
The celebration and marketplace will be held on the first floor of Malcolm X College. Free parking with validation is available in the college’s parking deck, accessible from Jackson Street.
The event is co-produced with community partners including The Daughters of Haiti, Dr. Betty Shabazz International Charter School, Chi-Village, the Metropolitan Board of the Chicago Urban League, Liberated Arts Movement, and Culture & Collab.
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Malcolm X College to Host Weeklong Kwanzaa Celebration and Marketplace
