Kwanzaa Day 6: Kuumba

Today we are observing the sixth principle of Kwanzaa: Kuumba - Creativity.

The goal is to do as much as we can, in the way we can, to leave the community more beautiful and beneficial than we inherited it. 

Now this principle is very important in light of the decaying neighborhoods many of us are trying to live in. Since it is usually Black women that are being conditioned to hold the 'community' together and rally against white racism to their detriment it's time for other people - the men - to step up. 

Until then I think the heart of this principle needs to be followed: leave the community. Perhaps once it's been restored there can be a reunion. Hanging on the roof while a tidal wave is raging doesn't offer the opportunity for community development though.

Now back to our scheduled message of the day. The History Channel has a society and culture section with a video on Kwanzaa traditions.

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Kwanzaa Day 5: Nia

Today is the celebration of Kwanzaa principle five: Nia - Purpose. 

To goal is to make a collective vocation, building and developing the community in order to restore Black people to their traditional greatness.  (That's a tall order!)

On this day a Zawadi (gift) that is meant to be educational, cultural or made by hand is exchanged. 

Did you know there's a film about Kwanzaa titled, "The Black Candle" directed by M.K. Assante Jr., narrated by Maya Angelou and featuring Chuck D? You can rent it on Netflix or purchase it directly from the filmmaker at the link provided.

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Kwanzaa Day 4: Ujamaa

Today signifies the practice of Kwanzaa Principle four: Ujamaa - Cooperative Economics

The goal is to build Black owned and operated businesses. They have to be supported by patrons to survive and thrive. I already did a post on the Ebony Experiment but it deserves another mention. During 2009 we will be closely monitoring how the Andersons are able to best implement their focused distribution of resources and financial support. 

The Ebony Experiment Group, LLC, was created by John C. and Maggie Anderson of Oak Park, Ill., and is a community service oriented project that is seeking sponsors to support the experiment and maintain the website. The purpose of The Ebony Experiment is to infuse long-term wealth into the Black community by galvanizing and uniting Black consumers, investors, businesses and professionals.

What are ways we can encourage more people to be business owners? It is small businesses that actually employ the bulk of the people in this country. Hard to believe, huh? Not everyone wants - or has equal access to - a corporate gig or union.

Small Business Administration

Renaissance Entrepeneurship Center - this is based in San Francisco but you can research your local version  

Courses in how to own and operate a small business - at your local community college

Look into areas where Federal economic redevelopment funds are being considered - and if it's not in your area - move!

More Celebrations

I forgot to include an oldie (circa 1996) but goodie from the UK group St. Etienne, "I Was Born on Christmas Day", featuring the ethereal vocals of Sarah Cracknell.

Today is the 3rd principle of Kwanzaa: Ujima - Collective Work and Responsibility

The goal is to build and maintain a community. This is where it is imperative that people financially support those entities and companies that don't harm the Black community, especially Black women and girls. 

For example, if a large consumer products company such as Proctor & Gamble is paying for advertising on shows that degrades the image of Black women then we should NOT lend our tacit approval by purchasing their products. If a certain music artist displays skin-shade racism don't buy their music! It requires making informed and deliberate choices. Stop blindly supporting churches, Civil Rights organizations and even your neighborhood store if they don't offer reciprocity in turn. We can demand equal access and fair representation by using our collective bargaining power. 

It's like holding a large voting block on the board of a company where you can easily wield influence. It is time for people to begin strategizing and planning a long term goal and an overall course of action for the uplifting and care of those who show themselves to be allies and recognize and protect each other from the enemies. 

Kwanzaa Day 1 & 2

Oops, I forgot to post this yesterday so I'll combine the two principles today. Kwanzaa began on December 26th-Jan 1st (Boxing Day for the UK & Canada). For those who are not familiar with it, Kwanzaa is a holiday that celebrates Black American and Pan-African heritage. It is not tied to a specific religious practice though there is an element of spirituality to it I'd say. Wikipedia has a nice entry on it as well the official site for your review.

Umoja - Unity: Striving for unity in the family, community and nation.

A fractured community or nation is open to all sorts of outside attacks and can leave you on the verge of extinction. If you are considered part of a minority population where the deck has been stacked against you it is even more imperative to repair any breaches in self, in family and in community.

Kujichagulia - Self-Determination: To be ourselves.

Sometimes it can be quite the challenge to live your life based on your own ideals. Not based on traditions or religion beliefs passed down by your parents. Not based on a superficial societal pressure to conform to something. We can't be free if we're carrying other people's baggage.

As 2009 approaches and some people continue to look to symbolic advances that we hope will pan out for segments of our communities we really need to be thinking of ways to plan, strategize and build alliances with a long-term goal in mind.