Today, Malcolm X College wraps up its 13th annual Kwanzaa celebration. Organizers say it’s the largest seven-day public celebration in the country.

New Year’s Day is the last day of Kwanzaa. The principle of the day is “imani,” which means faith. An estimated ten thousand people have attended the events at Malcolm X College over past week.

Organizer Baba Nubian Malik says it’s important for this city college of Chicago to play host.

MALIK: So it becomes imperative as an institution to service those individuals that’s around that institution and within that community. This is a method of giving back and enriching the community.

The event is free.

Kwanzaa is an African-American centered holiday founded by professor Maulana Karenga in 1966.  It recognizes culture, gives reverence to ancestors and highlights a value system to strengthen the black community.

I’m Natalie Moore, Chicago Public Radio.