Happy Kwanzaa - Imani (Faith)

Today on the seventh and final day of Kwanzaa and the first day of the new year, we celebrate Imaani (Faith). To believe with all our hearts in our people, our parents, our teachers, our leaders and the righteousness and victory of our struggle.


Today as I awake from my bed, I am fighting against all the despair and negativity that I hold in the belief that eventually good will triumph over evil. This really is a time for self-reflection and re-commitment to all that we hold dear and to all that we believe in. Today I look at the work that has been done and the work that still needs to be done and I continue on my journey in the hope that justice will prevail.

My daily reflection on the Nguzo Saba and Kwanzaa in this way, has really helped me to focus, think, reaffirm my self worth and the importance of my family, friends and all around me. I would like to thank Dr Mualana Karenga for his insightfullness, his vision and his creativity. He has provided us with a set of core values that can be celebrated and honoured, not only during the seven days of Kwanzaa but throughout the year and for the rest of our lives.

Heri Za Kwanzaa (Happy Kwanzaa)

Happy Kwanzaa - Kuumba (Creativity)

On this sixth day of Kwanzaa, we celebrate Kuumba(Creativity). To do as much as we can, in whatever way we can, to leave our community more beautiful and beneficial than it was when we inherited it.

I struggle with life's social injustices and sufferings. I often think "what can I do to make things that little bit better." The fact is with a little bit of creativity we can all do our bit to make a difference to someone's life, whether at work or in our personal lives.

Happy Kwanzaa

Happy Kwanzaa - Nia (Purpose)

On this fifth day of Kwanzaa, we celebrate Nia(Purpose). To make our collective vocation the building and development of our community; to restore our people to their traditional greatness.

I believe we all have a purpose in life. I believe the purpose of Kwanzaa is to make us think, not only about ourselves and our family but also about the community. To think about who we are, where we are and what the future holds. I will never be rich, not in the financial sense of the word but I do feel I am so much richer through my connection with my family, friends and the great many people I have met along the way. I will continue to strive to be the best I can be whilst promoting cultural awareness and practices within the community.

Happy kwanzaa - Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics)

On this fourth day of Kwanzaa, we celebrate Ujamaa - Cooperative Economics. Let us strengthen our resolve to build and maintain our own shops, stores and other business and to profit from them together.

We believe in the life-affirming necessity of work. But, this should be a place where you can culminate economic practices that demonstrate dignity, respect, fairness, balance, harmony and an opportunity for individuals to grow together.

Happy Kwanzaa - Ujima (Collective work and responsibility)

On this third day of Kwanzaa we celebrate the principle Ujima (collective work and responsibility). To build and maintain our community together and make our brother's and sister's problems our problems and solve them together.

I can remember when I first came to this country as a little girl, families and friends used to help each other move house, look after each other's children, cook, wash and clean the home if you were ill. Friends and family would rally around and make sure you were looked after. To me this was the spirit of Ujima.

Somehow as a community we have lost this community bond and now we (if you are lucky) make do with a phone call, a text or an e-mail.

Today I will take basic steps to re-connect with family, friends and others so we can start again to build a caring community.

In Celebration of Kwanzaa - Kujichagulia (Self-determination)

On this second day of Kwanzaa, the principle Kujichagulia (Self-determination) is celebrated. This is my favourite principle in the Nguzo Saba. I love the word and it's pronounciation (koo-jee-chah-goo-LEE-ah). You need determination just to pronounce it correctly! Most of all, I love it's meaning as it reflects what I strive to achieve and be.

Kujichagulia to me, means not being afraid to stand for what I believe in. Being true to myself and to others. Define for myself, speak for myself and caring for myself in order to care for others.

Today I will think about what I want from my life, for my family and for the community and strive to make it happen.

Today I will continue to share my culture and spirituality with others through my love of African art.

Happy Kwanzaa