On Saturday, the Bronzeville Kwanzaa Celebration and Vendor Fair demonstrated the value of **Ujamaa**, or cooperative economics, in real time. Twenty Black-owned businesses offered a diverse range of products, including candles, children’s books, Pan-African flags, hand-stitched Chicago Bears hats, framed pictures of political activists, and even homemade detergent. Black customers purchased these items, thereby achieving the goal of circulating their dollars within the community.
“A lot of Black-owned business owners talk about how they feel overlooked,” said Torshanda Campbell, a vendor at the event, which was held at the Hatch 41 co-working space on South State Street. “I love Kwanzaa because it brings us together. We’re going to appreciate everybody and bring them in like family. We’re here to support everyone.”
The gathering occurred on the second day of Kwanzaa, a holiday created in 1966 that takes place annually from December 26 to January 1. It was hosted by the Black Star Project, a nonprofit supporting academic and economic development in Black and Latino communities in Chicago.
Ujamaa is just one of Kwanzaa’s seven principles, which also include:
– **Umoja** (unity)
– **Kujichagulia** (self-determination)
– **Ujima** (collective work and responsibility)
– **Nia** (purpose)
– **Kuumba** (creativity)
– **Imani** (faith)
In addition to promoting economic prosperity, the African American holiday builds community, encourages cultural pride, honors ancestors, and educates the next generation.
As the owner of T&B Candy Flavored Pickles’z, Campbell, 41, of Auburn Gresham, said she feels connected to forebears who grew their own food. “I always try to tell my younger brothers and sisters to get back to the earthy things of life,” she shared. “Let’s get back to our natural culture.”
A nutritionist and self-proclaimed “pickle connoisseur,” Campbell sells fresh, sugar-free pickles in unique flavors ranging from grape-strawberry and green apple to ranch jalapeno and honey spicy garlic. She credits incorporating pickles into her diet with helping her lose weight and improve her health.
“I have found the trick,” she said. “I change people’s lives through pickles.”
Chicago Matah owner Derrick Riley also reflected on Black ancestors when discussing the importance of Black-owned businesses. He pointed to examples of once-thriving Black communities such as the Black neighborhood in Tulsa, Oklahoma, destroyed following the 1921 race massacre.
Riley praised noteworthy Chicago entrepreneurs like S. B. Fuller and John H. Johnson, emphasizing, “We’re carrying on a legacy.”
The 69-year-old Roseland resident, who sells clothing, books, toiletries, and more, also sought to “dispel the notion” that Black-owned businesses are no longer necessary. “No one [else] is going to help us,” he said.
The event featured food, entertainment, and activities, including stations where children made their own bookmarks and **kinaras**—seven-branched candle holders used during Kwanzaa celebrations.
Black Star Project culture worker Mansong Lulubally gave a speech outlining the holiday’s history and principles. “We’ve got to be ourselves in order to free ourselves,” said the 74-year-old Bronzeville resident. “There’s nothing wrong with us. We have to have our own stuff and be independent. That’s not racism in reverse. We’re trying to recover from all these harms that have been inflicted.”
Lulubally also stressed the importance of instilling Kwanzaa’s principles in youth. “Unfortunately, there’s a lot of individualism in America,” he said. “But we are a communal people, so those values can help those young folks in the streets.”
Young vendors at the fair expressed excitement about learning more about Kwanzaa.
Joyful Drinks co-owner Joy Lee, 12, of Roseland, said she admired the African-inspired fashion associated with the holiday. “It’s very cute,” she said. “And I love the different patterns on their shirts.”
Her sister and business partner, Jade Lee, 13, added, “I just like how it’s talking more about our culture.”
The siblings started a lemonade stand in 2024 to raise money for St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital. They continued selling their drinks to purchase tickets to a Chicago Sky game. Since then, their business has grown, drawing strong support from the community.
Beyond their lemonade stand, the Lees published a children’s book, *Lemons with Love*, and a workbook, *Young CEO*, to inspire and educate other young people interested in entrepreneurship.
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The Bronzeville Kwanzaa Celebration and Vendor Fair highlighted the power of community, culture, and cooperative economics, embodying the spirit of Kwanzaa while empowering Black entrepreneurs and inspiring the next generation.
https://chicago.suntimes.com/bronzeville/2025/12/27/bronzeville-kwanzaa-black-owned-businesses-fair
