Inside Malcolm X College’s Annual Kwanzaa Celebration | Unity, Community, and Purpose

A conversation on how Kwanzaa’s principles guide leadership, education, and everyday life beyond the holiday.

For generations, Kwanzaa has been more than a holiday. It is a practice. A philosophy. A way of living grounded in intention, responsibility, and collective progress. At Malcolm X College, that understanding is not seasonal. It is institutional.

This year’s Annual Kwanzaa Celebration, taking place December 26 through January 1 at the college’s West Side campus, continues a tradition so deeply rooted that it predates the tenure of current President David Sanders, who has led the institution for nearly a decade. Joined by Dean Barbara Meschino, Sanders reflected on the celebration not as a campus event, but as a living expression of values that align naturally with education, leadership, and community uplift.

Each day of the celebration begins with a drum call at noon, a powerful sonic reminder of ancestry, rhythm, and collective heartbeat. From morning to early evening, the campus transforms into a cultural hub with an open vendor market that invites community members to gather, connect, and support local entrepreneurs.

During our conversation, Sanders and Meschino emphasized that the heart of Kwanzaa lies in its Seven Principles, not as abstract ideals, but as practical tools for everyday life. Umoja, or unity, was reflected in the way the college serves a diverse student body representing all 77 wards of Chicago. Centrally located on the West Side, Malcolm X College stands as a meeting point where lived experiences, aspirations, and identities intersect.

Kujichagulia, self determination, emerged through conversations about empowering students to define their own paths and reclaim authorship of their stories. Ujima and Ujamaa, collective work, responsibility, and cooperative economics, were evident in the college’s commitment to collaboration, resource sharing, and community partnerships.

Nia, purpose, grounded the dialogue as leadership spoke to education as a calling rather than a transaction. Kuumba, creativity, came alive through cultural programming and innovative learning environments. Imani, faith, anchored the institution’s belief in its students, its mission, and the transformative power of education.

As part of the City Colleges of Chicago system, Malcolm X College continues to demonstrate what it looks like to educate with intention while honoring culture. Its Annual Kwanzaa Celebration stands as a reminder that these principles are not confined to a single week. They are guideposts for leadership, learning, and community building throughout the year.

WATCH THE FULL INTERVIEW 

Event Details

Annual Kwanzaa Celebration
Dates: December 26 through January 1
Location: Malcolm X College
1900 West Jackson Boulevard
Chicago, Illinois

Daily Schedule:
• Drum Call: 12:00 PM daily
• Open Vendor Market: 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM daily

The celebration is open to students, families, and community members seeking to experience Kwanzaa through culture, commerce, and collective reflection.

About the Author

Monique Roberson, known as Coach Mo, is a contributor to The Chicago Defender, an author, and a cultural storyteller focused on education, community impact, and legacy building. Through interviews and commentary, she highlights institutions and leaders shaping the future of Chicago through purpose driven work.

About Malcolm X College

Malcolm X College is a West Side anchor institution serving students from all 77 wards of Chicago. As part of the City Colleges of Chicago system, the college is committed to academic excellence, workforce development, and community engagement while honoring the cultural richness of the city it serves.

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