HAPPY KWANZAA!

It is a curious thing that so many black Americans – who insist on calling themselves African Americans – know so little about their uniquely American heritage…to say nothing of their African ancestry. I am acutely aware, however, that “black pride” is as ethereal and subjective as religious faith. And, that it has its reasons which reason cannot understand.

Nonetheless, just as Martin Luther King Jr. taught us the objective value of judging a person not by the colour of his skin but by the content of his character, I humbly suggest that pride should be based not on faith but on substance. And, it is in this spirit of racial enlightenment that I celebrate Kwanzaa (December 26 to January 1).

I honour the Afrocentric Dr Maulana Kerenga who founded this annual observance in 1966 “not to substitute for Christmas” but to reaffirm what it is to be an “African-American”. Because if we endeavour to live according to the seven guiding principles (Nguzo Saba) of Kwanzaa, then having black pride will entail far more than expressing faith in things not seen:

1. Umoja (oo-MO-jah) Unity stresses the importance of togetherness for the family and the community, which is reflected in the African saying, "I am We," or "I am because We are."
2. Kujichagulia (koo-gee-cha-goo-LEE-yah) Self-Determination requires that we define our common interests and make decisions that are in the best interest of our family and community.
3. Ujima (oo-GEE-mah) Collective Work and Responsibility reminds us of our obligation to the past, present and future, and that we have a role to play in the community, society, and world.
4. Ujamaa (oo-JAH-mah) Cooperative economics emphasizes our collective economic strength and encourages us to meet common needs through mutual support.
5. Nia (NEE-yah) Purpose encourages us to look within ourselves and to set personal goals that are beneficial to the community.
6. Kuumba (koo-OOM-bah) Creativity makes use of our creative energies to build and maintain a strong and vibrant community.
7. Imani (ee-MAH-nee) Faith focuses on honoring the best of our traditions, draws upon the best in ourselves, and helps us strive for a higher level of life for humankind, by affirming our self-worth and confidence in our ability to succeed and triumph in righteous struggle. [LA Times – Everything About Kwanzaa]

Note: Given its guiding princples, I think all blacks would do well to embrace and celebrate Kwanzaa the way Jews observe Hanukkah! (Perhaps then we could assign the affirmative action dispensation that is “Black History Month” to Hispanics - until “Hispanic pride” renders “Hispanic History Month” so redundant as to be absurd as well….)

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