CHICAGO (WLS) — The city of Chicago kicked off Kwanzaa with a series of events aimed at commemorating this significant holiday.

The essence of Kwanzaa revolves around appreciating peace, unity, and a sense of community.

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On Friday, the atmosphere at Malcolm X College was vibrant as locals gathered to observe the opening day of Kwanzaa, which emphasizes cultural pride and togetherness.

The festive sounds of Kwanzaa filled the college halls, highlighting a tradition that has been bringing people together for over five decades.

“Kwanzaa provides an opportunity to reflect on our heritage,” remarked Jezail Jackson from Jewels By Giselle. “Even if we’re uncertain about our exact African lineage, it’s a moment for collective remembrance and unity.”

Malcolm X College has hosted its Kwanzaa celebration for more than two decades, a seven-day festival of music, food, arts, culture and heritage.

Jackson is a vendor who crafts handmade bracelets.

“Just the idea of braiding, I feel like culturally connected and I feel it in my heart, so I appreciate the ability to come and showcase the work that I do,” Jackson said.

“It’s a part of their lives and it’s a part of their tradition and a part of their culture and their heritage and they want to come back,” said Sydney Adams with Malcom X College.

Local photographer Rodney Wright of Image Makers Photography says he’s set up shop at Malcolm X College going on 15 years during Kwanzaa.

“I want them to walk away with the values of Kwanzaa which is sharing, love and community,” Wright said.

He says his personal mission as a photographer to capture love highlights what Kwanzaa is all about.

“You look around and it’s the spirit of Kwanzaa,” Wright said. “It’s the music, the food and everything. It brings you back.”

Celebrated from December 26 through January 1, Kwanzaa is a holiday founded in 1966 as a celebration of African heritage and culture. It focuses on seven principles: Unity, Self-Determination, Collective Work, Cooperative Economics, Purpose, Creativity and Faith.

Kwanzaa is not a religious holiday, so it’s observed by people from different religious backgrounds.

“This is an opportunity to come together with community,” said Barbara Meschino with Malcom X College “I’m really passionate about being in community, so this is a great way to be in community.”

In the city’s Bronzeville neighborhood, families gathered to tell stories, to sing and to spend time together, highlighting what Kwanzaa is really all about.

“What it personally means to me is respecting the principles that Kwanzaa does and means,” said Pam Morris-Walton with the Bronzeville Children’s Museum. “They get to do arts and crafts. They get to sing. They do a candlelight performance.”

Kwanzaa celebrations continue Saturday at Malcolm X College. Daily programming begins at 10 a.m. and runs until 6 p.m.