Africa International House Celebrates 2024 Pre-Kwanzaa Holiday Marketplace and Kwanzaa Principle, “Imani,” (Faith)

Africa International House Celebrates 2024 Pre-Kwanzaa Holiday Marketplace and Kwanzaa Principle, “Imani,” (Faith)

"AIH Launches Exciting Fundraiser Weekend to Boost Its Senior Community Arts Initiative at the Annual Holiday Marketplace"

CHICAGO, Ill. – Africa International House, USA, Inc. (AIH) is excited to announce its free Annual Pre-Kwanzaa Celebration, taking place from December 6th to 8th. This vibrant weekend will honor the Kwanzaa principle of “Imani” (Faith), while supporting local vendors and raising funds for AIH’s Senior Community Arts Program.

The Pre-Kwanzaa Holiday Marketplace will be held at 6300 S. Drexel, Chicago, IL 60637, on December 6th and 7th from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The fundraising event will take place at the Grand Ballroom, located at 6351 S. Cottage Grove, Chicago, IL 60637, on December 7th from 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM and on December 8th from 12:00 PM to 12:00 AM.

This year's Annual Pre-Kwanzaa Weekend Celebration features a lineup of captivating performances, including the Drum Village Drummers from the Africa Festival of the Arts, who will enlighten and entertain attendees. The weekend will spotlight a diverse array of small business vendors and entrepreneurs offering culturally significant items with broad appeal. Patrons are encouraged to explore unique, eclectic, and handmade holiday gifts from merchants across Chicagoland. The marketplace will showcase an assortments of books, jewelry, music, handcrafted arts and crafts, fashionable items, collectibles, black memorabilia, and much more.

On December 7th and 8th, Africa International House will also focus on raising funds for its Community Arts Program for Seniors, which celebrates its first anniversary on November 30th. This signature program brings art directly to seniors, with artists visiting 16 senior residences or other locations each month to teach various art forms. Proceeds from the fundraiser will help sustain this vital initiative.

To register, donate, or purchase tickets for the fundraiser, please visit aihusa.org.

Kwanzaa is a weeklong celebration occurring from December 26th to January 1st, dedicated to introducing and reinforcing the seven essential values of African culture that strengthen family, community, and cultural ties. Although Kwanzaa was created by African Americans in the United States, it is celebrated widely across the African Diaspora. The seven principles, known as the Nguzo Saba in Swahili, include Umoja (Unity), Kujichagulia (Self-Determination), Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility), Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics), Nia (Purpose), Kuumba (Creativity), and Imani (Faith).

The mission of Africa International House (AIH) is to serve as a hub that educates and exposes people to the rich tapestry of African cultures and their contributions. This mission is embodied through our flagship event, the African Festival of the Arts, along with other initiatives that promote and celebrate African-based culture.

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