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, fra med pictures of political activists and even homemade detergent. Black customers purchased the 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 that was created in 1966 and takes place annually from Dec. 26 to Jan. 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 the holiday’s seven principles, which also include Umoja (unity), Kujichagulia (self-determination), Ujima (collective work and responsibility), Nia (purpose), Kuumba (creativity) and Imani (faith). Related Kwanzaa celebrations kick off week of festivities aimed at building stronger communities In addition to promoting economic prosperity, the African American holiday also builds community, encourages cultural pride, honors ancestors and educates the next generation. As the owner of TB 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 said. “Let's get back to our natural culture.”The nutritionist and self-proclaimed “pickle connoisseur” sells fresh, sugar-free pickles in flavors ranging from grape-strawberry and green apple to ranch jalapeno and honey spicy garlic. She said adding pickles to her diet has helped her lose weight and improve her health.“I have found the trick,” she said. “I change people's lives through pickles.” Derrick Riley, owner of Chicago Matah, sells clothes, books and other items at Saturday’s Kwanzaa celebration. “We’re carrying on a legacy,” he says of Black-owned businesses helping the community.Talia Sprague/For the Sun-Times Chicago Matah owner Derrick Riley also spoke of Black ancestors when reflecting on the importance of Black-owned businesses. He pointed to examples of once-thriving Black communities such as the Black neighborhood in Tulsa, Okla., that was destroyed following a race massacre in 1921. He also praised efforts of noteworthy Chicago entrepreneurs, including S.B. Fuller and John H. Johnson.“We’re carrying on a legacy,” said Riley, 69, of Roseland, who sells clothing, books, toiletries and more.He also said he wanted to “dispel the notion” that Black-owned businesses were no longer necessary.“No one [else] is going to help us.”The event also featured food, entertainment and activities, including stations where kids made their own bookmarks and kinaras, or seven-branched candle holders for Kwanzaa. Black Star Project culture worker Mansong Lulubally also gave a speech about the history and principles of the holiday.“We’ve got to be ourselves in order to free ourselves,’ said Lulubally, 74 ,of Bronzeville. “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.” Siblings Jade Lee and Joy Lee (right), owners of Joyful Drinks take in the displays at a Kwanzaa celebration in Bronzeville. Since starting their lemonade stand in 2024, the sisters have expanded their business and published a children’s book. They want to encourage other young people toward entrepreneurship.Talia Sprague/For the Sun-Times Young vendors at the fair said they were excited to learn more about Kwanzaa. Joyful Drinks co-owner Joy Lee, 12, of Roseland, said she liked 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, said, “I just like how it's talking more about our culture.” Related Girls running lemonade stand get $2,000 gift to attend Sky Barbie Night game The siblings started a lemonade stand in 2024 to raise money for St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital. They later continued selling the drinks to purchase tickets to a Chicago Sky game.Since then, their business has taken off, drawing support from the community. And they are also interested in helping others; they published a children’s book, “Lemons with Love” and a workbook, “Young CEO,” to inspire and educate other young people interested in becoming entrepreneurs.“We are here to tell them that you are powerful enough to start your own business," Jade said. "You are enough. You can do this, and you're not alone.” ...read more read less