On an uncharacteristically beautiful and warm weekend in Chicago farmer markets have mostly ended and only a few remain. On the lush and green campus of Chicago State University the celebration the cultural identity for the majority of the students enrolled this semester took place. The Harambee Harvest Festival was on October 15 and 16, 2010 in and near the Cordell Reed Student Union and also in the parking lot behind the building. The festival took place from 9am to 6pm on Friday and 10am to 8pm on Saturday.
Celebration of cultural awareness to is why Chicago State University is considered an honorary historically black university. The festival brought to the city’s south side farmers selling fresh vegetables and other produce. The following day was dedicated to arts and crafts by bringing in dancers, music, ethnic food and retail vendors. Vendors of several mediums set up tables on the quadrangle adjacent to the cafeteria. Lots of decorations were abundant which created a festive atmosphere. Strong rhythmic sounds permeated the area from large speakers for several hours.
Many visitors of the festival were extremely pleased by what was on display and were moved by the music but all seemed to agree that the potential of the festival was endless and should be improved for next year. There was some confusion about the festival dates due to faulty information being exchanged the Office of Media and Events explained. Many students of the university had no idea about the festival which made turnout was low and many expressed disdain for the handling of the distribution of information regarding the festival. There was also no communication in the community that surrounds the campus. This may also be the major contributing factor as to why the festival ended early on Saturday.
Another festival in Chicago that celebrates the cultures represented in the student body of Chicago State University is the African Festival of the Arts that happens every Labor Day weekend in the city’s beautiful Washington Park. This festival in it beginning was very small and somewhat unorganized like the Harambee Harvest Festival but through many years of trial and error it is now an internationally recognized festival. One attendee named Vivian shared, “that with more work and dedication Chicago State can also be the host of a major festival”. Events like this can bring unity between the school and the community.
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