Kwanzaa means “first fruits of the harvest” in Swahili and is a celebration honoring African heritage in African-American culture. It lasts one week, beginning on Dec. 26 and ending on Jan. 1, with each day devoted to one of the seven core principles, known in Swahili as Nguzo Saba. Kwanzaa was created by Dr. Maulana Karengas in 1966. Here are some of the family-friendly celebrations taking place in Chicago this year.
Kwanzaa on the 9
When: Dec. 8
Where: Boombox Chatham, 532 E. 79th St.
Storytelling, African dance and drumming, Kwanzaa window art walk, Christmas caroling, tree sale, trolley tour and Bricks 4 Kids Lego art. Kids can have free pictures with Santa taken from 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Pretty Kakes and beverages available. Windows will be painted along the 400 and 500 blocks of E. 79th Street.
Pre-Kwanzaa Celebration
When: Dec. 8
Where: Coleman Branch, 731 E. 63rd St., Chicago
Storyteller Gwen Hilary and Enoch Williamson will share stories and present the principles of Kwanzaa. This is our annual event that is co-sponsored by the Woodlawn Community Service Corporation.
Pre-Kwanzaa Holiday Market and Celebration
When: Dec. 14
Where: Harris Park, 6200 S. Drexel Blvd., Chicago
Shop with artists for unique, eclectic holiday gifts, live entertainment, storytelling, food, and fun for the entire family. Includes music, workshops, shopping, and activities.
Holiday Stories and Craft
When: Dec. 19
Where: Clearing Branch Library, 6423 W. 63rd Place, Chicago
Celebrate the holiday season with some stories about Hanukkah, Christmas and Kwanzaa. Make a related craft to take home. All material will be provided in this kids of all ages event.
Kwanzaa Celebration
When: Dec. 26
Where: Unity Church of Oak Park, 405 N. Euclid Ave., Oak Park
Celebrate the first day of Kwanzaa—Umoja: To strive for and maintain unity in the family, community, nation and race. This year, Unity of Oak Park is celebrating Kwanzaa with drums, music, storytelling and a Karamu (feast) of ethnic delights.
Kwanzaa Celebration
When: Dec. 26
Where: Fleetwood-Jourdain Community Center, 1655 Foster Street, Evanston
Join your friends and neighbors in celebrating the first day of Kwanzaa. There will be music, spoken word and dancing. There will also be the traditional lighting of the Kinara and recitation of the Seven Principles of Kwanzaa.
Celebrating Kwanzaa
When: Dec. 26
Where: Pullman Branch, 11001 S. Indiana Ave., Chicago
Join Poet Leonard Lucas, better known as Baba Griot, and learn about the history of Kwanzaa.
A Kwanzaa Celebration
When: Dec. 26-27
Where: DuSable Museum of African American History, 740 E. 56th Place, Chicago
Enjoy a traditional Drum Call and procession, Thunder Sky Drummers, Najwa Cance Corps, Maggie Brown, Amen Rah, and many others.
Kwanzaa Story Crafts
When: Dec. 27
Where: Blackstone Public Library, 4904 S Lake Park Ave., Chicago
Children and their families are invited to celebrate the season of Kwanzaa. Participants will listen to stories and complete crafts celebrating the principals of Kwanzaa. Recommended for children ages 5 and up.
Kwanzaa Celebration
When: Dec. 28
Where: Altgeld Branch Library, 950 E. 132nd Place, Chicago
Join us in celebrating Kwanzaa. Learn the seven principles (Nguza Saba) of Kwanzaa, which celebrates African culture, heritage and traditions.
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