Feminista Jones Instagram – Let’s get Smarter in Seconds about Kwanzaa ❤️🖤💚
Co-created in 1966 by Sister Makinya Sibeko-Kouate and Dr. Maulana Karenga during the Civil Rights and Black Power Movement, Kwanzaa is a newer, non-religious, and Pan-Africanist holiday that specifically celebrates and uplifts African Peoples and members of the African Diaspora globally. Because of this the holiday is rarely acknowledged or given the nuance and respect it deserves.
Each of the Nguzo Saba or Seven Principles is Kiswahili word with profound meaning:
Day 1 is Umoja, or unity, a commitment to working together between and across African communities.
Day 2, Kujichagulia, or self-determination, is the right for African peoples to define ourselves outside of the definitions that are forced onto us.
Day 3, Ujima, or collective responsibility, is a commitment to solidarity.
Day 4 is Ujamaa, or cooperative economics. It’s a commitment to working together in the sharing of resources and wealth. It can also be looked at as supporting Black-owned businesses.
Day 5 is Nia, purpose. It’s a commitment to working and living toward a common purpose of liberation.
Day 6 is Kuumba, or creativity. A celebration of African culture through art, music, poetry, performance, and more.
And the final day is Imani, or faith. Not faith in a particular deity, but faith in the power of the people.
Many thank to @feministajones for guiding this episode of Smarter in Seconds and helping to make sure I included an accurate definition of Pan-Africanism. Thanks to @moyoafrika and @wellreadblackgirl for asking me to create a new version of my previous Smarter in Seconds episode!
EXTRA CREDIT 📝 When did you first learn about Kwanzaa? Which of the Nguzo Saba (seven principles) resonates most with you? | Posted on 27/Dec/2024 04:27:41
