Day 6: Kuumba (Creativity) Koo-Om-Bah

PRINCIPLE 6:  CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT


Kwanzaa is now observed as a national holiday by countless people in homes schools and public and private institutions across the United States.  Like African American History Month, Kwanzaa is a part of the cultural fabric of America and is a special time for African Americans to celebrate the joys of family and community, to African their humanity, to take inventory of what they have accomplished, beginning with the family and extending to the national African American community, and to recommit themselves to practicing the guiding principles of family and community- the Seven Principles.
 
KUUMBA (KOO-M-BAH) CREATIVITY:  To do always as much as we can in the way we can in order to leave our family and community more beautiful and beneficial than when we inherited it.


The sixth principle of the Nguzo Saba relates to building and developing our creative potential. It involves both aesthetic and material creations. It is essential that creativity be encouraged in all aspects of African American culture. It is through new ideas that we achieve higher levels of living and a greater appreciation for life. Each family member should find creative things to do throughout the year that will enhance the family as a whole. On this day, poetry reading, songfests, dance exhibitions and the like, can aid in promoting the importance of Kuumba.


The Kuumba principle demands continuous improvement both at the personal and family level. This principle pushes families and communities, adults and youth, not to be satisfied with “just getting by”, with not being satisfied with being average or even above average. George Washington Carver, acclaimed scientist, teaches us all that: “No one has a right to come in to the world without leaving behind a distinct and legitimate reason for having passed though it.”

When celebrating this day, explain and discuss how practice of this Kwanzaa value can help you attain your highest potential.

 Proverb - To stumble is not to fall but to go forward faster.

HARAMBEE!

 http://kwanzaaguide.wordpress.com/2009/12/31/sixth-day-of-kwanzaa-kuumbacreativity/

Day 5: Nia (nee-AH) - Purpose

"To make our collective vocation the building and developing of our community in order to restore our people to their traditional greatness."

The fifth principle of the Nguzo Saba is Nia which is essentially a commitment to the collective vocation of building, developing and defending our national community, its culture and history in order to regain our historical initiative and greatness as a people. The assumption here is that our role in human history has been and remains a key one, that we as an African people share in the grand human legacy Africa has given the world. That legacy is one of having not only been the fathers and mothers of humanity, but also the fathers and mothers of human civilization, i.e., having introduced in the Nile Valley civilizations the basic disciplines of human knowledge. It is this identity which gives us an overriding cultural purpose and suggests a direction. This is what we mean when we say we who are the father's and mothers of human civilization have no business playing the cultural children of the world. The principle of Nia then makes us conscious of our purpose in light of our historical and cultural identity.


Inherent in this discussion of deriving purpose from cultural and historical identity is a necessary reference to and focus on generational responsibility. [Frantz] Fanon has posed this responsibility in competing terms. He says, "each generation must, out of relative obscurity, discover its mission, [and then] fulfill it or betray it" (48). The mission he suggests is always framed within the larger context of the needs, hopes and aspirations of the people. And each of us is morally and culturally obligated to participate in creating a context of maximum freedom and development of the people.

Finally, Nia suggests that personal and social purpose are not only non-antagonistic but complementary in the true communitarian sense of the word. In fact, it suggests that the highest form of personal purpose is in the final analysis, social purpose, i.e., personal purpose that translates itself into a vocation and commitment which involves and benefits the community. As we have noted elsewhere, such a level and quality of purpose not only benefits the collective whole, but also gives fullness and meaning to a persons life in a way individualistic and isolated pursuits cannot.

For true greatness and growth never occur in isolation and at other's expense. On the contrary, as African philosophy teaches, we are first and foremost social beings whose reality and relevance are rooted in the quality and the kinds of relations we have with each other. And a cooperative communal vocation is an excellent context and encouragement for quality social relations. Thus, [W.E.B.] Du Bois' stress on education for social contribution and rejection of vulgar careerism rooted in the lone and passionate pursuit of money is especially relevant. For again our purpose is not to simply create money markers, but to cultivate men and women capable of social and human exchange on a larger more meaningful scale, men and women of culture and social conscience, of vision and values which expand the human project of freedom and development rather than diminish and deform it.

 Practice Nia every day!

http://www.endarkenment.com/kwanzaa/nguzosaba/nia.htm

Day 4: Ujamaa (oo-JAH-mah) - Cooperative Economics

"To build our own businesses, control the economics of our own community and share in all its work and wealth."

The Fourth Principle is Ujamaa and is essentially a commitment to the practice of shared social wealth and the work necessary to achieve it. It grows out of the fundamental communal concept that social wealth belongs to the masses of people who created it and that no one should have such an unequal amount of wealth that it gives him/her the capacity to impose unequal, exploitative or oppressive relations on others. Sharing wealth is another form of communitarian exchange, i.e., sharing and cooperating in general. But it is essential because without the principle and practice of shared wealth, the social conditions for exploitation, oppression and inequality as well as deprivation and suffering are increased.


Thus, as President Julius Nyerere of Tanzania in his discussion of Ujamaa says, Ujamaa is "based on the assumption of human equality, on the belief that it is wrong for one [person] to dominate or exploit another, and on the knowledge that every individual hopes to live in a society as a free [person] able to lead a decent life, in conditions of peace with his [her] neighbor." Ujamaa, Nyerere tells us, is above all human centered - concerned foremost with the well-being, happiness and development of the human person. And the assumption is that the conditions for such well-being, happiness and development is best achieved in a context of shared social wealth.


Thus, President Nyerere states, Ujamaa rejects the idea of wealth for wealth's sake as opposed to well-being for all. And he notes that Ujamaa is "a commitment to the belief that there are more important things in life than the amassing of riches, and that if the pursuit of wealth clashes with things like human dignity and social equality, then the latter will be given priority." In the context of improving and insuring the well-being of the people, "the creation of wealth is a good thing and something we shall have to increase." But he concludes that "it will cease to be good the moment wealth ceases to serve (humans) and begins to be served by (humans)".

Ujamaa also stresses self-reliance in the building strengthening and controlling of the economics of our own community. President Nyerere has said self-reliance in Ujamaa means "first and foremost... that for our development we have to depend upon ourselves and our own resources." The assumption here is that we must seize and maintain the initiative in all that is ours, and that we must harness our resources and put them to the best possible use in the service of the community. This, he says does not mean denying all assistance from or work with others but of controlling policy and shouldering the essential responsibility for our own future.

  Closely related to this concept of self-reliance and the responsibility it requires is the respect for the dignity and obligation of work. To respect work is to appreciate its value, reject its exploitation and engage in it cooperatively for the common good of the community. Also, inherent in Ujamaa is the stress and obligation of generosity especially to the poor and vulnerable. In the Book of Ani, we are taught that generosity is its own reciprocal reward. "Small gifts return greater and what is replaced brings abundance." And in the book of Ptah-Hotep we are taught, "Be generous as long as you live. What goes into the storehouse should come out. For the bread is made to be shared." Harambee!


http://www.endarkenment.com/kwanzaa/nguzosaba/ujamaa.htm

Day 3: Ujima - Collective Work & Responsibility

Habari Gani? Ujima (collective work and responsibility) U-JI-MA - to build and maintain our community together and make our sister's and brother's problems our problems and to solve them together.

The third principle of the Nguzo Saba is a commitment to active and informed togetherness on a subject of common interest. It also recognizes the need for collective work and struggle without which progress is impossible and liberation unthinkable.

Akoma ntoaso-the Adinkra (picture) is a symbol of shared effort and obligation. Ujima focuses on African freedom as indivisible, active cooperation, and the challenge of culture and history.

Harambee!

Day 2: Kujichagulia - Self-Determination

PROUD STORY: I am part of a people whose history sings…Of wise men and women, warriors and kings. And now that it's Kwanzaa, I'll join in the spirit…Share that proud story so others can hear it…And celebrate how really special I am!



Kujicahgulia (self determination) KU-JI-CHA-GU-LIA -to define ourselves, name ourselves, create for ourselves and speak for ourselves.

Something for the people: Kujichagulia (Self-Determination) -- independence, freedom of action, unilaterally, freedom of choice, CHOICE, freedom of thought, emancipation, self-expression, individuality, SPECIALTY, statehood, nationhood, national status, NATION, autonomy, self-government, self-rule, home rule, autarky, self-sufficiency, SUFFICIENCY, freehold, PROPERTY, independent means, private means, modest competence, competence, WEALTH...

Day 1: Umoja - Unity

Kwanzaa for Life Prayer

O come all you faithful, rejoicing and victorious! Come, let us adore the Lord of life and goodness, as we celebrate Kwanzaa and the African American heritage. Come and give thanks and praise for the journey. Jesus, by your mercy, grant us the grace to cherish this life. Guide us to uphold the dignity and respect of life from the moment of conception to its natural end at death. Lead us to be to true to our nature as you created us. We ask these things because we have our roots in the divine origin of Creator, Savior, and Sanctifier, Jesus, our Lord. Amen.

 The 1st principle of Nguzo Saba: Umoja (unity) - to strive for and maintain unity in the family, community, nation and race.

 

"We are one, our cause is one, and we must help each other, if we are to succeed." -Frederick Douglass (Kwanzaa day 1: Umoja=one)

Kwanzaa. No Religion Needed

Kwanzaa Misconceptions #1: Some people believe Kwanzaa is a religious holiday... FALSE! Kwanzaa is not meant to replace Christmas, Hanukkah, or any other religiously based holiday. Kwanzaa is not about religious worship rather it is a celebration of culture and our place in it.

„The 1960’s brought forth a new found awareness of self-strength and empowerment for Blacks.  Abandoning negative self-images and embracing our African past were our first steps toward this new way of looking at ourselves. Further explorations transpired through traditional African community concepts, dress and hairstyles. As the desires for ties to an African past increased, Kwanzaa soon became an ideal forum to further explore our cultural roots; recognizing the unique heritage of Blacks as fruits from both worlds.

„Kwanzaa was founded in 1966 by Dr. Maulana Karenga who was a leading theorist of 'The Black Movement' in the 1960s. Kwanzaa’s birth stems from a cultural idea and an expression of the US organization which Brother Karenga headed. This new way of exploring self has blossomed into the only nationally celebrated, native, non-religious, non-heroic, non-political African-American holiday.

„The name Kwanzaa is a Kiswahili word for "the first fruits of the harvest". Kiswahili was chosen because it is a non-tribal African language which encompasses a large portion of the African continent.

„This holiday is observed from December 26th through January 1st.  Again, its focus is to pay tribute to the rich cultural roots of People of the African Diaspora. Though first inspired by Blacks, many of African descent celebrate this occasion today.  Its reach has grown to include all whose roots are in the Motherland.  Its concept is neither religious nor political but is rooted strongly in a cultural awareness. This is not a substitute for Christmas; however, gifts may be exchanged with the principles of Nguzo Saba always in mind. Gifts are given to reinforce personal growth and achievement which benefits the collective community. 

So, habari gani (what's the news) to all! The gift of Kwanzaa has begun.

Is Jesus the Reason?

From my most recent studies, I have found out the following information about Christmas: In 350 AD, Pope Julius I declared December 25th the official date and in 529 AD, Emperor Justinian declared it a civic holiday. So, in actuality, Christmas is a Catholic creation. December 25th is really the "Dies Natalis Solis Invicti" or "the birthday of the unconquered sun." Sol Invictus was the pagan Roman sun god. The pagan Constantine worshiped Sol Invictus & united all the pagans into his new religion; the Roman version of a very false religious system masked as Christianity. It was later known as Roman Catholicism.

The persian sun god, Mithra, also became Sol Invictus through the Roman Mystery Religion called Mithraism. He became Mithras. In many pictures, Mithras is depicted wearing a phrygian or persian cap. It is the same cap that "Santa Claus" wears. To make a long argument short, Christmas, which is so NOT Christ's birthday, is just a pagan Catholic holiday to honor Sol Invictus, Mithras & Baal, by proxy, associating the satanic deity, Claus, to Christ.

Now, I know that many of you have celebrated this day in honor of Jesus Christ for as long as you can remember. I used to celebrate it too. At the age of 16, I made the conscious decision to investigate the only holiday that has become so commercial that there is now an "X" in place of the Saviors' name. I discovered that Christmas, along with other holidays, is just a demonic sham; a trap set forth by the enemy and his workers. Yet, year after year, church folk and the rest of the world decorate houses and trees, living the long-lived lie in the name of tradition. 

If Jesus is truly the reason for the season, as we've all been told, why haven't I heard the mention of his name on TV shows or cartoons like I used to when I was a kid? I've been watching for it, to no avail. In my mind, it looks like commercialism, materialism and big business are the reason for this and any other season. 

The Gift of a Child...and a Mother

I was adopted by my biological father's sister at the age of 6 weeks. I am the 2nd child of a young woman who had lost her mother a few days before I was born. I am one of 7 children. I was taught never to despise her for giving me away, and I don't. I'm actually very, very grateful that she was wise enough to let me go. To me, that shows her love; that's enough for me.

My mother passed on over 15 years ago. Today is her birthday. I'm still amazed on how deeply I get into my feelings around this time. I loved her very much, and she loved me without condition. For that, I'll forever be grateful and thankful that she hung in there to raise a little ol' throw-away like me. I miss her much.

It always blows my mind when I hear children talk to their moms as if they're insignificant. Blows my mind even more when adults do it. What I wouldn't do to hear her voice once again. What I wouldn't do to hold her hand.

She loved me when no others could or would. Happy birthday, mom! A wonderful gift, indeed. I love you...inmymind...

Beyond Scared Straight

After watching an episode of "Beyond Scared Straight" that was so close to home, (St. Clair County jail in Belleville, IL), I am convinced that there is something wrong when men and women do things that put them in such a sad and dark place. What is within our society that makes one feel that going beyond the norm of human emotion or mental capability is okay? What's missing within our lives that allows us to fulfill the emptiness with more pain? Oftentimes, for a lifetime.


The children that were on the show were probably offspring or relatives of people I already know, since I was born and raised in East St. Louis, IL. As I watched the show, my heart began to melt as tears weld up in my eyes. The anger and rage, the powerlessness...yet, the doors of the jailhouse continue to swing in and out. The bars continue to open and shut. I spent 14 days there. I have yet to go back. 


My heart went out to a young boy named Eddie. Mostly because he was a young brother who is obviously lost. I listened to him at the end of all of the drama he endured, and he still was unsure on whether the "intervention" helped him or not. He wasn't sure whether he could or would stay out of jail. The inmates sure didn't have hope that he would stay out. Perhaps, they've "seen" this little boy once before. Perhaps, in themselves.

As I continued watcheing the show, I began to wonder about his family life. I wondered about the people he surrounded himself with on a day-to-day basis or those who surrounded him. Are there any vigilant prayer warriors in this young man's life who could possibly change his way of thinking or was he doomed to live a life behind bars because of his foolish ways, actions and thoughts? Are there any who stand in a more positive light that he can look to for guidance, or are they behind bars as well? If so, will he take heed or will he continue to follow his unrighteous, unguided path?

I love my people. Especially my brothers. And, I fear for their lives. I cringe at the way they think and the way they've been taught to think. My heart cries out because I long for a better way. I long for a lighted path through the darkest nights, but who will listen to THEIR cries? Who REALLY hears them? If they are rescued, like Cortez, a former St. Clair County inmate in jail for murder, tried to do for little Eddie, will they want to be saved? Eddie didn't seem to want it; others may find a rescue as a weakness, too. He was too caught up in smoking weed and living a life that goes the opposite way from which his pathway may lead.

It is with a heavy heart that I end this blog post. Still filled with questions and wondering why. Still, in my mind...wanting to save the world, one person at a time.

2012 Black History Tees...

Wise Words

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A Word to My Brothers

My Dear Brothers, 

Your sisters don't have attitudes simply because that's just the way we are, we have attitudes because we're tired of struggling to do this on our own; tired of the excuses you give for why you don't stay to help our families succeed & grow. We really need you. Some of you keep turning your backs on us. If you'd stay in the "ring" & fight, like many of us do, you'd open a flood gate of trust & unconditional love. 

My plea is that you hold us down like our forefathers did, without hesitation. Don't be influenced by those who could care less about our family units or values. Be OUR men, and love the ones who were designed specially for you. Stop bowing down. Those days are over...inmymind...