Zinduna
JF-Expert Member
- Nov 6, 2011
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Christmas is finally over which means the surge of consumerism is leavening and it’s time to celebrate Kwanzaa. For those who are not familiar, Kwanzaa was created by Dr. Maulana Karenga as a way to connect descendants of the African Diaspora to the values of West African Heritage. The roots of Kwanzaa are based on the importance of community and its principles are derived from Black nationalism as a cultural revolution.
The seven principles of Kwanzaa are Umoja (Unity), Kujichagulia (Self-Determination), Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility), Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics), Nia (Purpose), Kuumba (Creativity), and Imani (Faith). As Kwanzaa means “first fruits” or “first fruits of the harvest” in Swahili, this is a time to prepare your own personal harvest for the new year.
This year, more than ever, the political climate has been quite tumultuous and tensions are high with the prospect of polarizing change on the horizon. Health care, government assistance, national security, reproductive services and immigration reform are being challenged and threatened with the inauguration of a new president. Now is the time to ensure that the seeds of harvest are in place to protect your finances, spiritual/emotional health, and overall self-awareness in order to move forward for 2017 and beyond.
Day 1: Umoja (Unity)
“To strive for and to maintain unity in the family, community, nation, and race.”
With movements like [HASHTAG]#BlackLivesMatter[/HASHTAG] and [HASHTAG]#SayHerName[/HASHTAG], we as are unifying in more ways to show the world that our existence is important and should be valued. In order to keep the momentum going and ensure that our demands are heard, we need to be proactive and maintain visibility. Get from behind the keyboard and make sure to vote (especially in local and state elections) for representatives who speak to our demands. Write to your congressman or councilman/woman to voice your concerns. Be active in your community by volunteering at shelters, women’s health organizations and justice reform movements
Day 2: Kujichagulia (Self-Determination)
Day 2: Kujichagulia (Self-Determination)
“To define and name ourselves, as well as to create and speak for ourselves.”
In order to combat negative messages and images in the media, we need to make sure our minds are cleansed of doubt and fear so that our self-determination can grow and prosper. To define ourselves in a clear and focused way, discipline is key. Self-cleansing techniques such as yoga, meditation, prayer, reading, and exercise are all ways to promote self-determination all year round.
Day 3: Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility)
“To build and maintain our community together and make our brothers’ and sisters’ problems our problems and to solve them together.”
Similar to Umoja, unifying our community is crucial in building cultural knowledge and responsibility. One must recognize that the larger vision is more important especially when it comes to ensuring future generations are covered as well. This is why now is the time to focus on financial empowerment , political activism, and nutritional awareness. 0 Comments
Day 4: Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics)
“To build and maintain our own stores, shops, and other businesses and to profit from them together.”
In order to build and develop our communities, it is crucial that we support businesses owned and founded by Black people. A simple [HASHTAG]#BuyBlack[/HASHTAG] search will lead to a plethora of resources or you can check out a platform created by [HASHTAG]#BlackLivesMatter[/HASHTAG] or Google that assists in finding nationwide black retailers. Take it a step even further and focus on black women entrepreneurship.
Day 5: Nia (Purpose)
“To make our collective vocation the building and developing of our community in order to restore our people to their traditional greatness.”
There is a quote that states, “if you don’t stand for something you’ll fall for anything.” There is meaning behind knowing and understanding your purpose. With racial tensions, religious division, and conservatism prompting our society to live in fear and hatred, understanding the meaning behind our existence will help decrease negative energies and instead promote positivism, love, and unity. Take a moment to reflect on your personal mistakes and fortunes this year to ensure that 2017 will leave a lighter footprint.
Kuumba (Creativity)
“To do always as much as we can, in the way we can, in order to leave our community more beautiful and beneficial than we inherited it.”
2015 was the year of [HASHTAG]#blackgirlmagic[/HASHTAG] and 2016 the year of the [HASHTAG]#carefreeblackgirl[/HASHTAG], what will 2017 bring? Let your creative juices flow so you can truly prosper. Use your creativity in all aspects of your life to bring innovation and new ideas in order to further stimulate and improve our communities. Bring people together with organizations for change, use your social platforms to bring awareness of important issues; including sexual assault, decriminalization of petty crimes, equal opportunities for education, global citizenship etc. The possibilities are infinite!
Day 7: Imani (Faith)
“To believe with all our hearts in our people, our parents, our teachers, our leaders, and the righteousness and victory of our struggle.”
The final day of Kwanzaa is rooted in faith. The presence of faith is the absence of fear. Fear inhibits growth and change. As an individual, community, and cultural movement we must have faith that we will prevail, despite national and global setbacks. Resilience is a defining character trait of people with African descent and with faith we are destined to continue strong and united.
It's Time To Celebrate Kwanzaa: Why This Year It's Needed The Most
