For me, observing the seven days of Kwanzaa is a joyful and mindful way in which to ring in the new year. Established as an African American and Pan African celebration in 1966, Kwanzaa features seven universal principles, referred to as the Nguzu (or Nguzo) Saba.
Day 1 – Umoja (Unity): Celebrating oneness. Whether we are working together in a team and playing harmoniously or resisting and combatting, we are one…Interconnected and interdependent. Promote inclusivity. Separation is an illusion. We decide how we experience this world. Together, we rise. Come, unify. One community.
Day 2 – Kujichagulia (Self-Determination): Celebrating sovereignty! Know yourself, identify yourself, define yourself, empower yourself, free yourself. Craft your own narrative. You determine your destiny. Take ownership of your life. Exercise your personal power. Know your potential. We are co-creators of the world we live in, social entrepreneurs.
Day 3 – Ujima (Collective Work & Responsibility): Celebrating Social Responsibility! Yes, our actions matter…And, our work has resonant impact. What we do in unison has broader implications and greater sustainability. Genuine teamwork promotes mutual understanding, acceptance, patience, creativity, compassion and profound social development. Be solution-oriented. Share information. Value service. Appreciate one another. Be authentic. Honor yourself. Articulate gratitude. Lift as you climb. Each one, teach one. Love into strength. Inspire, encourage, motivate and elevate. We rise. One.
Day 4 – Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics): Celebrating abundance! We have everything we need, and will ever need, when resources are allocated appropriately and nature is in balance. The emphasis is on cooperation, communication and collaboration instead of competition, domination or exploitation. Competition-based and exploitation-based economic systems are born of fear and lack and produce inefficiencies, disease, pollution and social inequality. Know your worth. Nurture strengths. Participate. Develop your ideas. Honor interests. Trust your gut. Give, and receive. Value diversity. Innovate with intention. Find your flow. Grow love.
Day 5 – Nia (Purpose): Celebrating Human Agency! Agency involves intention, foresight, self-regulation and self-reflectiveness. As agents, you have the capacity to make choices. As agents, you are engaged in your own development. To discover your purpose, open your mind…free your heart…explore new horizons…be in the experience…journal your interactions, thoughts and feelings…express yourself…listen actively…practice wellness…engage. Realize that you are endowed with the potential to heal, solve, restore, reconcile, unite, integrate, expand and uplift. Center yourself and know your role, your gifts, your mission. Choose to live with intention, versus by default. Live on purpose.
Day 6 – Kuumba (Creativity): Celebrating artistic expression! We are co-creators here. We are each original in our being. In expressing ourselves, manifesting our dreams, channeling our vitality, we bring to fruition art that inspires, soothes, links, harmonizes, brings perspective, offers solutions and empowers. Enthusiasm stimulates flow…Be enthusiastic! Get grounded, be passionate and lead with your heart. Be mindful, and grateful. Engage your senses. Witness the synergy. Our creative expression transcends boundaries. Experiment…Stretch…Shape…Polish. Create without limits. Enjoy! It’s all good!
Day 7 – Imani (Faith): Celebrating our Divinity! Faith is knowing that anything and everything is possible. Faith is belief without need for proof. Faith is embracing the moment…Knowing that time and space are imaginary…Knowing that separation is illusion. It takes lion’s courage to know without the evidence to support. To be faithful, is to be joyful. To be faithful, is to be peaceful.
Imani is realizing that the Kwanzaa principles are inextricably linked…That without faith, there is no real movement forward and upward. Imani is knowing that solidarity within the African diaspora is critical for the restoration of harmony and balance for humanity in the world. Authentic Black power is a healing balm, not just for the African diaspora, but for all inhabitants of earth.
May we remember that the 7 principles of Kwanzaa are universal and are an intricate part of our lives throughout the year. Cheers to a marvelous new year!