Habari Gani Good People?! What’s the good news? Kuumba!!
Today we light the sixth candle and celebrate my second favorite principle 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.”
The principle has both a social and spiritual dimension and is deeply rooted in African societies social and sacred teachings.
Having creativity requires a few things – motivation and inspiration! What I can definitely say with pride is my people practically ooze creativity, just look at social media, in the classrooms, on television… every day all day!! The creative minds of Black folks have birthed ground-breaking inventions, culture-shaping entertainment and fashion, and new ways of healing and uplifting the community.
I will say this Black folks have no shortage of creativity!! Everything from TikTok, to dance routines, to food recipes, to acting, to new games, fashion, shaping entertainment, and so much more!!
In the spirit of Kuumba, check out some of these Black Creatives stories:
Think about this for a moment…What creative skills do you have that can help build your community? Maybe it’s something you do with your hands, maybe it’s writing a proposal, managing the books as an accountant, or leading a team.
As a reminder, on this day it is customary to host a large feast called Karamu, which can be held at home, a community center, or a church. The menu usually features foods and ingredients native to the African continent such as yams, okra, tamarind, peanuts, collard greens, and hibiscus.
So what can you do to encourage creativity in your life, family, and community? Are you using your gift of creativity to its fullest?
Black Future Feminist 