(Photo: Yortel Photography)
Now that the celebration of Christmas has come to a close, many in the African American community look forward to another December holiday…New Year’s.
Yeah, I don’t know about you, but I can count on one hand how many people I know who intentionally celebrate the African American cultural holiday of Kwanzaa.
Kwan-who? Yes, Kwanzaa, with two A’s at the end, the seven day holiday with candles, RBG, and knowledge that we need for our community. Don’t believe me? Here’s the purpose of Kwanzaa:
Kwanzaa was created to introduce and reinforce seven basic values of African culture which contribute to building and reinforcing family, community and culture among African American people as well as Africans throughout the world African community. (Source)
After all the African American community has been through this year, we are pretty much living out these principles without really knowing it. Instead of ignoring this week or scoffing at it in apathy, sincerely consider why you do or do not celebrate it. The Word says we perish for our lack of knowledge. What if there’s something we really need to understand about our history, our collective economic power, and our empowerment? Or is it not commercial enough and watered down by capitalism like other major holidays?
Even if you’re not interested in participating in Kwanzaa, you’ve got to admit that the seven principles are needed for our community every day of the year. With that in mind I’ll share at least one practical way you can celebrate these principles throughout the year with intention:
Umoja (Unity): Make time with family outside of the holidays. Come together to discuss future plans, take an annual photo together, or even host a game night. Togetherness is healthy for the family!
Kujichagulia (Self-Determination): Do an activity with your family or friends where you find the definition for your name (Biblical or traditional) or add something that relates to your identity. For example, my name traditionally means fairy queen, but I take it as I should carry myself like royalty because I am a daughter of the King, the Almighty God.
Ujima (Collective Work & Responsibility): Adopt a youth in your community, school or church as if they were your child, brother/sister. Not only help them with any needs they may have for day to day living, but help raise them up to be intelligent and contributing members that grow up to give back to others in their community. It truly takes a village to raise a child; you don’t have to be a direct parent to plant a seed that makes a difference.
Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics): Outside of supporting Black businesses by buying from them, lend your skills and talents to support one another’s business endeavors. For instance, you can share your tech skills to help launch your colleague’s site for their non profit. Collaboration is key so you both can benefit from each other and help others in the process of building your businesses.
Nia (Purpose): Help a child see themselves with a book, movie or toy that shows what they look like, from hair texture to skin tone. Representation helps reassure purpose and identity. Check out my sis Winnie’s son and his love for reading books including African American lead characters at the bookstore Eyeseeme in the St. Louis area.
Kuumba (Creativity): Link arms with a brother or sister’s passion project for the people that’s different from what you do. It will open you up to a new form of creative expression (art, music, poetry, etc.), but it may spark inspiration in what you do.
Imani (Faith): Take some time to learn from your elders on their experience as an African American, why they take pride in our culture and what hopes they have for the future. We have to get back to the practice of honoring and respecting our elders, for they carry so much wisdom that we need to go alongside our passion for helping the people in 2017 and beyond.
We break the cycles when we make the effort to do something selfless and different. Kwanzaa (December 26-Janaury 1) may/may not be your annual tradition, but the principles should be practiced all the time. What are your thoughts about Kwanzaa? Share in the comments below!
Great article! I love it! 🙂