Kwanzaa Festivities Unites Students and Community Together A Celebration of Family, Community and Culture

CHICAGO-(January 11, 2013) Chicago State University partnered with two local organizations, Y2 Kwanzaa and the Black Mall, for the 2nd Annual Kwanzaa Ujima event. Ujima, the third day of Kwanzaa, means collective work and responsibility which makes brothers and sisters help each other to solve their problems. The celebration, organized by CSU's Division of Enrollment Management and Student Affairs, was held in the Jacoby Dickens Center on the university's campus December 28th, 2012, from 4pm to 10pm.

The event included an array of speakers, performances and a traditional market for patrons to shop. Live performances at the event included local Tap troupe sensation, MADD Rhythms, Miniaka Percussion Ensemble and Spiritual Journey, an all women's vocal group. Grammy award winning artist Lupe Fiasco and rapper GLC attended the event to show their support for the community and take part in the joyous celebration. Dr. Samella Abdullah, a renowned therapist, and her son Makola Abdullah, Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs at Florida Memorial University, served as the keynote speakers for the event. The authentic market sold and displayed items for the cultural celebration including, candles, clothes, and oils.

"This event came together to feed people on three different levels; mind, body, and soul. It was the epitome of what Kwanzaa is all about, recognizing the principals of Ujima which is collective work and responsibility", said Ronald "Kwesi" Harris, the program director of CSU's African American Male Resource Center.

CSU students and campus run organizations contributed by performing, organizing festivities and/or receiving "out of classroom" experience for their majors.

Kwanzaa is a weeklong celebration that honors African American heritage in the African American culture and the well-being of family and community. It is observed from December 26th to January 1st.

About Chicago State University

Chicago State University was founded in 1867 with just 62 students enrolled in its first year. Today it is a nationally-accredited university with five colleges- Health Sciences, Arts and Science, Business, Education, and Pharmacy - offering 36 undergraduate and 25 graduate degree-granting programs. In addition, CSU has a Division of Continuing Education and Non-Traditional Programs that reach out to the community with extension courses, distance learning and not-for-credit programs. Consistently evolving to reflect state-of-the-art trends in higher education, Chicago State University prepares students for success in the twenty-first century. For more information, please visit www.csu.edu