Kwanzaa is more than an annual holiday for many who celebrate it. Kwanzaa’s seven principles can become a guide for life.
“The principles can be lived by everyone,” said Barbara Meschino, dean of Malcolm X College, which on Friday kicked off a week of Kwanzaa celebrations.
The events, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily, encourage people to reflect on those values and consider how to apply them in their daily lives to build stronger communities.
“Here we are deeply rooted in the community and making sure that we are serving our community through education and through equity,” Meschino said.
Jemison Jocelyn, 2, gets some help from her mother, Briana Jocelyn, to fix her headwrap during a celebration of the first day of Kwanzaa at Malcom X College on Friday.
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Arthur Maiorella/For the Sun-Times
A “chakaba,” or stilt-walker shakes hands with a child during a celebration of the first day of Kwanzaa at Malcom X College on Friday.
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Arthur Maiorella/For the Sun-Times
Members of the ceremony light the first Kwanzaa candle, symbolizing unity, during a celebration of Kwanzaa at Malcom X College on Friday.
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Arthur Maiorella/For the Sun-Times
Glenda Littlejohn shops during a celebration of the first day of Kwanzaa at Malcom X College on Friday.
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Arthur Maiorella/For the Sun-Times
A member of the Najwa Dance Corps performs during a celebration of the first day of Kwanzaa at Malcom X College on Friday.
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Arthur Maiorella/For the Sun-Times
An attendee reads a pamphlet during a celebration of the first day of Kwanzaa at Malcom X College on Friday.
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Arthur Maiorella/For the Sun-Times
Members of the Najwa Dance Corps perform during a celebration of the first day of Kwanzaa, Friday, December 26, 2025 at Malcom X College.
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Arthur Maiorella/For the Sun-Times
Members of the Najwa Dance Corps perform during a celebration of the first day of Kwanzaa at Malcom X College on Friday.
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Arthur Maiorella/For the Sun-Times
Kwanzaa, held yearly from Dec. 26 to Jan. 1, was created in 1966. Each day on Kwanzaa honors one of its seven principles: Umoja (unity), Kujichagulia (self-determination), Ujima (collective work and responsibility), Ujamaa (cooperative economics), Nia (purpose), Kuumba (creativity) and Imani (faith).
Umoja — or unity — was celebrated Friday at Malcolm X College, which has been hosting Kwanzaa celebrations for more than 20 years. The school has live music, art, shopping markets, dance performances daily on the first floor of the college at 1900 W. Jackson Blvd.
Meschino said she hopes attendees leave feeling like they are part of a community.
“When we come together as a community, as a society, we’ll get better and we’re stronger,” Meschino said.
Friday’s celebration kicked off with a drum call and an African American dance performance by Najwa Dance Corps.
Ayana Robinson of Bronzeville has celebrated Kwanzaa since she was a young girl. The practice was passed down by her mom and godmother.
She said Kwanzaa principles guide her in her daily life and how she leads her skincare business, GLOgeous Beauty Bar.
“When you’re a part of a community, you are seen and you are heard,” said Robinson, 34.
Robinson said the holiday is also a way to celebrate and honor her godmother who passed away.
“Being surrounded by people who believe in the same things we do is exciting,” she said. “It’s like her spirit is here.”
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