Tag: Kwanzaa

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

Habari Gani?! It’s Kwanzaa Time-Day 7: Imani!!

Posted on by drblackfuturefeminist

Habari Gani, my friends?? What’s the good news?!

Today is the final day of Kwanzaa and my FAVORITE principle, Imani (Faith)!! Through Imani, we “believe with all our heart in our people, our parents, our teachers, our leaders and the righteousness and victory of our struggle.“

As a spiritual person, this principle hits really close to home for me as I am always trying to maintain my faith!! While it may not be easy, faith – especially during difficult and trying times – brings us closer to making our dreams a reality.

Photo by Monstera Production on Pexels.com

When I look back at this week of celebration, I realize none of the other 6 principles would be able to come to fruition without that mustard seed of faith!! Just think about it in order to have cooperative economics, we must have faith in the businesses that we support. To have purpose, we must have faith that we are here for a reason. It is essential that we have faith in ourselves, our leaders, teachers, parents, and in the victory of our struggle. As a free, proud, and productive people, we can do ALL things with just a little bit of faith.

“Faith is put forth as the last principle as unity is put forth as the first principle for a definite reason. It is to indicate that without unity, we cannot begin our most important work, but without faith we cannot sustain it. Unity brings us together and harnesses our strength, but faith in each other and the Good, the Right, the Beautiful inspires and sustains the coming together and the commitment to take the work to its end.“

Allow yourself to let go of any worry and trust in your Black excellence!! Never lose faith in yourself and our community. Be proud of who you are and the community you live in!!

“Keep your dreams alive. Understand to achieve anything requires faith and belief in yourself, vision, hard work, determination, and dedication. Remember all things are possible for those who believe.” ~Gail Devers

Until next year, while Kwanzaa is celebrated from December 26th-January 1st know that you can practice any and all of these principles year around! Remember Kwanzaa is a celebration of culture, community, and family!

Harambe and Happy New Year!!

Posted in Black Joy, Celebration, Holiday Celebration!!

Habari Gani?! It’s Kwanzaa Time-Day 6: Kuumba!

Posted on by drblackfuturefeminist

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.

Photo by Askar Abayev on Pexels.com

So what can you do to encourage creativity in your life, family, and community? Are you using your gift of creativity to its fullest?

Posted in A Professor's Thoughts..., Black Joy, Celebration

Habari Gani?! It’s Kwanzaa Time!!-Day 5: Nia!

Posted on by drblackfuturefeminist

Habari Gani?!! What’s today’s good news? Nia!!

Today, we light the fifth candle and celebrate Nia (Purpose). This is one of my favorite principles of Kwanzaa!! Through Nia, the principal seeks “to make our collective vocation the building and developing of our community in order to restore our people to their traditional greatness.”

No matter what your purpose looks like or feels like, the principle of Nia reminds us that the ways we choose to use our time and our talents will reflect on the legacy that we leave!

In thinking about how you can reflect on Nia, consider these few practices:

  • Reflect on finding your purpose in life outside of your career
  • Add some books and movies that educate you about your ancestry and your history
  • Set short-term and long-term goals that will set you and your community on a path toward a more intentional and purpose-driven life.

“You were uniquely designed for success in your purpose. When you align your life with your strengths—those innate qualities you were gifted with—you will tap into a level of grace that empowers you to achieve things you could never accomplish in your strength alone.” ~Valorie Burton, in Successful Women Think Differently: 9 Habits to Make you Happier, Healthier and More Resilient

As I always ask myself, what’s your purpose in life for today and in the future?

Posted in Black Joy, Celebration, Holiday Celebration!!

Habari Gani?!! It’s Kwanzaa Time!!-Day 4: Ujamaa!

Posted on by drblackfuturefeminist

Habari Gani!! What’s the news today?! Ujamaa!!

On this day we light the fourth candle and celebrate Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics),“to build and maintain our own stores, shops and other businesses and to profit from them together.“

As noted on the official Kwanzaa website, Ujamaa embodies shared work and wealth, economic self-reliance, and obligation of generosity. Dr. Karenga notes, “To share wealth and work, then, is to share concern, care, and responsibility for a new, more human and fulfilling future”.

Growing up in Champaign, I would learn about Kwanzaa from my aunt Vernessa. I looked forward to this time of the year because I got to spend time with my cousins, eat some good food, and get a few gifts! Over time Kwanzaa has become an integral part of who I am and what I do. Considering all of the Black-led nonprofits, foundations, and advocacy organizations, I continue to further understand Kwanzaa’s importance as a way to recognize the strength of Black communities despite systemic pressures that are meant to break us.

For many, the principle Ujamaa emphasizes the importance of folks supporting Black-owned businesses, helping each other thrive economically, sharing helpful financial information, amassing generational wealth, and giving back. All in all, when we think about what we know from Black Wall Street to Black-owned cooperations to the Black collectives, Black folks have been resisting in the spirit of Ujamaa for centuries!

To get you in the spirit check out this trailer below for the OWN limited series, “Rebuilding Black Wall Street”!

Harambee!!  Let’s all work together!!

And remember this year’s Kwanzaa theme is… “Kwanzaa, Freedom, Justice and Peace:
Principles and Practices For A New World”

Posted in Black Joy, Celebration, Holiday Celebration!!, On The Radar

Habari Gani?!! It’s Kwanzaa Time!!-Day 3: Ujima

Posted on by drblackfuturefeminist

Habari Gani!! What’s the news today?! Ujima!!

Today we light the third candle to celebrate Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility)!! This means “to build and maintain our community together and make our brother’s and sister’s problems our problems and to solve them together.”

Through Ujima we recognize the fact that without collective work and struggle, progress is impossible and liberation is a far distant memory. This is when we must truly embody the idea of “it takes a village.”

On this day, I reflect on the impact of those we lost this year, especially those who made such a great impact on our local, national, and global communities. Their commitment and efforts to the cause will always be remembered. One can only hope we continue to be inspired to follow in their footsteps and build on their legacies!

Now when thinking about how you can celebrate Ujima today, consider teaming up with members of your neighborhood to help renovate a community center, offer to shovel your neighbor’s sidewalk, or even just help out around the house more often.

As a way of sharing with my community, here are a few events coming up that are celebrating the Kwanzaa holiday!

  • Detroit, MI-The Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History
  • December 28th… 12 – 3 p.m. | Kinara Lighting Ceremony & Intergenerational Family Programming at The Wright  Kinara lighting ceremony with Xavier Jack; Storytime with Tatjana Jackson; Face Painting with Sandra Epps, and screening of Black Panther; all day Kwanzaa food drive  … 5 – 7 p.m. | Kwanzaa Celebration Cultural Showcase with Let’s Get Tribal at The Wright   
  • Richmond, VA Capital City Kwanzaa Festival (Greater Richmond Convention Center)
  • December 30th… 1-7 pm With a theme of “Legacy As Balance”, this year’s festival includes entertainment, food, and events to embrace and teach the significance of the Kwanzaa holiday. Activities include a lighting of the Kinara, an African Market, workshops, performances, and Watoto Kwanzaa, especially for children.
  • Atlanta/Stonecrest, GA-New Black Wall Street Market
  • December 30th…12-6 pm Taste of the Diaspora Each year, through a wonderful display of flags and cuisine students learn and share their knowledge of Kwanzaa and the power of the African Diaspora. Show your support to the students and explore the wonderful, richness of our common ancestry through food!

To close out today, check out some fun facts about Kwanzaa below:

  • The holiday began to see greater public recognition as the first Kwanzaa stamp, designed by Synthia Saint James, was issued by the United States Post Office in 1997
  • On the sixth day of Kwanzaa, there is the Karamu feast which is a joyous gathering that transcends culinary delights, embodying the spirit of community and shared celebration. Families and communities come together to celebrate abundance and unity by feasting on traditional African and African-American dishes. Karamu provides a platform for storytelling, laughter, and cultural exchange in addition to the culinary experience. [Typical Kwanzaa foods include corn, yams, avocado, dates, beans, greens, rice, and okra dishes.]
  • Kwanzaa ceremonies were initially held primarily on college campuses and in Black churches. College campuses, which serve as hotspots for activism and cultural expression, were early adopters of Kwanzaa celebrations. Additionally, Black churches further embraced the celebration as a way to foster cultural identity and unity. 

Remember, “the challenge of history and culture then, is through collective work and responsibility, to restore that which was damaged or destroyed, and to raise up and reconstruct.”

See you all tomorrow!!

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 Black Joy, Celebration, Holiday Celebration!!

Habari Gani?!! It’s Kwanzaa Time!!-Day 1: Umoja

Posted on by drblackfuturefeminist

Ahhhh one of my favorite times of the year!!

Habari Gani!! We have come to that time of year again, a time to celebrate an annual tradition of family, community, and culture!! So you ask what time it is…It’s Kwanzaa Time !!

Kwanzaa is an African American and pan-African holiday that celebrates family, community, and culture. Created in 1966 by Dr. Maulana Karenga, a professor of Africana/Black Studies it’s a 7-day cultural festival beginning on December 26th and ends January 1st. Kwanzaa comes from the phrase matunda ya kwanza, which means “first fruits” in Swahili, an Eastern African language spoken in countries including Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Mozambique and Zimbabwe. Karenga wanted a way to bring African Americans together to remember Black culture. 

Photo by Askar Abayev on Pexels.com

While Kwanzaa is primarily an African American holiday, it has also come to be celebrated outside the United States, especially in the Caribbean and other countries where there are large numbers of African descendants. It should also be noted that Kwanzaa is not a political or religious holiday, and is not considered to be a substitute for Christmas.

During this holiday celebration, families and communities “organize activities around the Nguzo Saba” (The Seven Principles):

  • Umoja (Unity)
  • Kujichagulia (Self-Determination)
  • Ujima (Collective Work & Responsibility)
  • Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics)
  • Nia (Purpose)
  • Kuumba (Creativity)
  • Imani (Faith)
Photo by RDNE Stock project on Pexels.com

In addition to the seven principles there are a total of nine symbols (in Swahili and English) that make up Kwanzaa:

  • Mazao (The Crops): These are symbolic of African harvest celebrations and of the rewards of productive and collective labor.
  • Mkeka (The Mat): This is symbolic of our tradition and history and therefore, the foundation on which we build.
  • Kinara (The Candle Holder): This is symbolic of our roots, our parent people — continental Africans.
  • Muhindi (The Corn): This is symbolic of our children and our future which they embody.
  • Kikombe cha Umoja (The Unity Cup): This is symbolic of the foundational principle and practice of unity which makes all else possible.
  • Mishumaa Saba (The Seven Candles): These are symbolic of the Nguzo Saba, the Seven Principles, the matrix and minimum set of values which African people are urged to live by in order to rescue and reconstruct their lives in their own image and according to their own needs.
  • Zawadi (The Gifts): These are symbolic of the labor and love of parents and the commitments made and kept by the children.
  • Bendera (The Flag): The colors of the Kwanzaa flag are colors of the Organization Us, black, red and green – black for the people, red for their struggle, and green for the future that comes from their struggle. The Bendera is based on the national flag given to us by the Hon. Marcus Garvey, with slight adjustments in order and interpretation of the colors made in the 1960s along with many African countries.
  • Nguzo Saba Poster: The Nguzo Saba poster or some form of the written Nguzo Saba should always be a part of the Kwanzaa set. For it is these Seven Principles which give Kwanzaa its core and seven days of cultural focus.

Each symbol “represents values and concepts reflective of African culture and contributive to community building and reinforcement.”

During this Kwanzaa celebration, I look forward to sharing a little knowledge on each principle and what you can do to take part in this welcoming tradition!! Make sure you stay tuned!!

Today’s principle is UMOJA which means UNITY!! What are you doing today to strive and maintain unity in our families, communities, nations, and the world!! #UMOJA #Celebration #Affirmation

How you can embody UMOJA today is by being kind to your sisters and brothers in order to help keep your family and community strong and happy?!

For more information check out the following links:

To get you in the Kwanzaa spirit check out this playlist below:

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

Habari Gani?! Imani-Kwanzaa Day 7

Posted on by drblackfuturefeminist

Habari Gani, my friends?? What’s the good news?! Today is the final day of Kwanzaa and my favorite principle, Imani (Faith)!! Through Imani, we “believe with all our heart in our people, our parents, our teachers, our leaders and the righteousness and victory of our struggle.“

As a spiritual person this principle hits home for me as I am always trying to keep the faith!!
While, it may not be easy, faith – especially during difficult and trying times – brings us closer to making our dreams a reality.

None of the other 6 principles would be able to come to fruition without that mustard seed of faith!! Think about this in order to have cooperative economics, we must have faith in the businesses that we support.

To have purpose, we must have faith that we are here for a reason. It is essential that we have faith in ourselves, our leaders, teachers, parents and in the victory of our struggle. As a free, proud and productive people we can do ALL things with just a little bit of faith.

“Faith is put forth as the last principle as unity is put forth as the first principle for a definite reason. It is to indicate that without unity, we cannot begin our most important work, but without faith we cannot sustain it. Unity brings us together and harnesses our strength, but faith in each other and the Good, the Right, the Beautiful inspires and sustains the coming together and the commitment to take the work to its end.“

Allow yourself to let go of any worry and trust in your Black excellence!! Never lose faith in yourself and our community. Be proud of who you are and the community you live in!!

“Faith is taking the first step even when you don’t see the whole staircase.”

~Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Until next year, while Kwanzaa is celebrated from December 26th-January 1st know that you can practice any and all of these principles year around! Remember Kwanzaa is a celebration of culture, community, and family!

Harambe and Happy New Year!!

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

Habari Gani?! Kuumba-Kwanzaa Day 6

Posted on by drblackfuturefeminist

Habari Gani Good People?! What’s the good news?

Today we 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 social and sacred teachings of African societies.

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…everyday 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.

Some ways to practice Kuumba, include taking part in a musical Kwanzaa celebration, painting a mural, starting a garden in your neighborhood, building a new app. Just know that you can create something new, whether it be a piece of art or simply a new idea.

On this day, it is also 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.

Photo by Askar Abayev on Pexels.com

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.