Africa International House, USA, Inc. (AIH) will host its free Annual Pre-Kwanzaa Celebration Friday, December 1st, from 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM and December 2nd, from 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM at Harriet Harris Park, 6200 S. Drexel Ave Chicago IL, 60637.   

The annual event will honor the second principle of Kwanzaa, Kujichagulia (Self-Determination). The day is dedicated to lighting the red candle, symbolizing the effort a person, family, school, or community makes. The lesson is to illuminate the red candle to reinforce the value of work and effort. On this day, we are to define ourselves, name ourselves, create for ourselves, and speak for ourselves.

The organizers of the Annual Pre-Kwanzaa Celebration have designed the event to celebrate with performances and special guests that will enlighten and entertain on both days. Both days will also spotlight small business vendors focusing on culturally significant items with cross-cultural appeal. Patrons are encouraged to shop for unique, eclectic, handmade holiday gifts from merchants throughout Chicagoland. The marketplace will include books, jewelry, music, handmade arts & crafts, fashions, collectibles, black memorabilia, and more.

During the event, Africa International House will launch its anticipated Africa International House 2023 Community Arts Initiative. Through November 27-30 & December 4-11, Africa International House will send an artist to several neighborhood schools and Senior residences to engage Seniors and students in culturally relevant and meaningful art projects. This initiative is expected to lay the foundation for similar projects provided by Africa International House and its partners throughout the year.

For more information on the Africa International House Annual 2023 Pre-Kwanzaa Celebration, visithttps://www.aihusa.org/kwanzaa. 

The mission of Africa International House (AIH) is to serve as a center that exposes and educates all people about African cultures’ works and collective contributions. The mission is addressed through our flagship program, the African Festival of the Arts, and other activities promoting African-based culture.

Kwanzaa is a weeklong celebration from December 26th – January 1st dedicated to introducing and reinforcing the seven fundamental values of African culture that contribute to building and supporting family, community, and culture.  While African Americans created Kwanzaa in the United States, it is recognized across the Africans Diaspora.  These values are called the Nguzo Saba, the Seven Principles in Swahili. The Seven Principles are Umoja (Unity), Kujichagulia (Self-Determination), Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility), Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics), Nia (Purpose),Kuumba (Creativity), and Imani (Faith).