Tag: Kujichagulia

Posted in Black Joy, Celebration, Holiday Celebration!!

Habari Gani?!! It’s Kwanzaa Time!!-Day 2: Kujichagulia

Posted on by drblackfuturefeminist

Habari Gani!! What’s the news today?! Today’s principle of the Nguzo Saba is Kujichagulia which means SELF-DETERMINATION!! More specifically it is translated as “to define ourselves, name ourselves, create for ourselves, and speak for ourselves.”

In regards to Kujichagulia Kwanzaa founder Dr. Maulana Karenga notes, “In a time in which occupation and oppression of countries and peoples are immorally presented as necessary and even salvational, the principle of Kujichagulia (Self-Determination) rejects this and reaffirms the right of persons and peoples to determine their own destiny and daily lives; to live in peace and security; and to flourish in freedom everywhere.”

Consider these three questions as you embody Kujichaguilia:

1. Who am I?
2. Am I really who I say I am?
3. Am I all that I ought to be?

Have a conversation (with yourself, or with another person) about what truths you want to live into in this coming year.

Now what really hits home for me about Kujichagulia is that it truly has a personal meaning. Reflecting on this past year, can you identify ways your self-determination paid off? How did you take more control over your life?

So are you ready to channel your self-determination?

More Articles of Interest:

Remember Kwanzaa is about reflecting on Black culture and how we continue to create a safer world for Black lives and futures.

And to close out today, check out this Kwanzaa breakdown from Marc Lamont Hill…

See you all tomorrow!!

Posted in A Professor's Thoughts..., Holiday Celebration!!, Resources

Habari Gani?!! Kujichagulia-Kwanzaa Day 2

Posted on by drblackfuturefeminist

Habari Gani!! What’s the news today?!

We have come to another day of Kwanzaa…The second principle of the Nguzo Saba is Kujichagulia which means Self-Determination!! To define ourselves, name ourselves, create for ourselves and speak for ourselves.”

“In a time in which occupation and oppression of countries and peoples are immorally presented as necessary and even salvational, the principle of Kujichagulia (Self-Determination) rejects this and reaffirms the right of persons and peoples to determine their own destiny and daily lives; to live in peace and security; and to flourish in freedom everywhere.”-Dr. Maulana Karenga

Consider these three questions as you embody Kujichaguilia:

1.  Who am I?
2.  Am I really who I say I am?
3.  Am I all that I ought to be?

Have a conversation (with yourself, or with another person) about what truths you want to live into in this coming year. In addition, check out this video reflection from Dr. David Goode-Cross, as he shares the importance of making life decisions from a place of being grounded in our most authentic selves.

Once you begin to process and internalize the above questions/thoughts consider these few actions that you can do to celebrate Kujichaguilia:

  • Make the celebration focus on your family
  • Make the celebration festive and joyous
  • Try to have a special meal- at home or away

What I like about Kujichagulia is that it also has a personal meaning. As you reflect over this past year, can you identify ways that your self-determination paid off? How did you take more control over your life?

Remember to practice Self-Determination!!