Happy Kwanzaa 2011

Kwanzaa

The above picture shows a woman lighting a red candle placed in a Kinara.  The (3) red candles represent the struggle, the (1) black candle represents our people and the (3) green candles represent hope and the future.  The black candle is lit on the first day and from there the others are lit from left to right for each day of the celebration.  

Kwanzaa is an African-American cultural holiday which originated in 1966. Created by Dr. Maulana Karenga, Kwanzaa is celebrated from Dec. 26 - Jan. 1.  
Each day of the celebration focuses on one of seven principles ("Nguzo Saba"). The name, "Kwanzaa", is taken from the Swahili phrase "matunda ya kwanza" which means "first fruits.

The seven principles (Nguzo Saba) are: 

Unity (Umoja), Self-determination (Kujichagulia), Collective Work and Responsibility (Ujima), Cooperative Economics (Ujamaa), Purpose (Nia), Creativity (Kuumba), and Faith (Imani).

Today is Ujamaa, Cooperative Economics and that means to me, as a minority business owner that building and maintaining our own stores, shops and other businesses to profit from them together is very important.  

As a minority store owner I see the struggle for our people to remain in business because we don't shop in our community for groceries, appliances, dining, clothing etc. we choose to go outside our community.  Just imagine if we shopped MORE in the community how much impact it would have!!  

A great movie named "Lakawanna Blues", magnifies the beauty of Ujamaa and Cooperative Economics at work.  Check that movie out if you haven't seen it.  

I continue to shop my community especially over here in the Fairfax district, let's keep the traditional alive and continue to support Black businesses.