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Malcolm X College, in the partnership with the Bolozi Wazee/Shule Ya Watoto (Council of Elders), is hosting the 17th annual Kwanzaa observance from Dec. 26 to Jan. 1. It’s believed to be the largest seven-day celebration of Kwanzaa held at a higher education institution in the country.
The week-long event is free and open to the public, and features live entertainment, cultural activities and an African Market (merchandise on the 1st floor and food court on the 2nd floor). The theme is: “Honoring our Community Leaders for Preserving our Cultural Heritage.”
Doors at 1900 W. Van Buren open each day at 10 a.m., with the program starting at noon:
Monday, Dec. 26 – Umoja (Unity) Cultural lineup is Najwa Dance Corps; Kwame Steve Cobb and Chavunduka; and Charles “Rick” Heath.
Tuesday, Dec. 27 – Kujichagulia (Self-determination) Special tribute day to Baba Hannibal Tirus Afrik and Mzee Koumba, then cultural lineup of Kaotic Drumline, Walter King Jr. “Spellbinder” and Julia Huff.
Wednesday, Dec. 28 – Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility) Cultural lineup is ALYO Chidren’s Dance Theatre, Armen Rah and Joan Collaso.
Thursday, Dec. 29 – Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics) Enstoolment of Elders day followed by cultural lineup of Darrell Wilson “Sax Preacher,” Ayrie King III “Mr. Taps” and Ugochi Nwangwugwu.
Friday, Dec. 30 – Nia (Purpose) Cultural lineup of Fred Baker’s West Indian Folk Dance Company; Prince Ravanna Bey/Kerry Wills and the “Thunder Sky Drummers;” and Corey Wilkes
Saturday, Dec. 31 – Kuumba (Creativity) – Cultural lineup is Maggie Brown, Ayodele, Bill McFarland & the Chicago Horns.
Sunday, Jan. 1 – Imani (Faith) – Cultural lineup is African Fashion Show (coordinated by the Monarch Awards Foundation of Xi Nu Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc.); Dee Alexander; M.A.D.D. Rhythms; Ari Brown Quartet; Minianka African Dance and Drum Ensemble.