SelassieFest Inc. is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to cultural preservation, education, and community empowerment through the celebration of Ethiopian and Rastafari heritage.
We achieve this through an annual cultural festival, year‑round educational programming, youth mentorship, Ital food initiatives, and support for Ethiopian and Caribbean diaspora communities in Chicago and beyond.
A world where African and diasporic heritage is celebrated, where Rastafari principles of love, equity, and natural living guide community life, and where every generation knows the name and teachings of His Imperial Majesty Haile Selassie I as a beacon of African redemption.
We build bridges across generations, cultures, and faiths. SelassieFest is a family‑friendly, inclusive space where all are welcome to share in the spirit of “One Love, One Destiny.”
We teach the true history of Ethiopia, the Rastafari movement, Pan‑Africanism, and Chicago’s unique role in these global struggles. Knowledge is liberation.
We preserve Nyabinghi drumming, reasoning circles, Ital cooking, and the liturgical calendar of Rastafari — ensuring these living traditions are passed to the next generation.
We promote natural, plant‑based (Ital) nutrition, holistic wellness, and environmental stewardship as acts of reverence for the earth and the body as the temple of Jah.
Through the Youth Village, scholarships, and mentorship programs, we invest in young leaders who will carry the message of African pride and social justice forward.
We stand with African peoples worldwide, supporting reparatory justice, cultural exchange, and economic cooperation within the diaspora.
As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, every donation, ticket purchase, and volunteer hour helps sustain our work. Join us in building a legacy of love, learning, and liberation.
Support SelassieFest