nguzo saba
Oh noez, the Seattle Public School district is recommending the "African American Academy" for closure! Where, then, will students go to learn about Nguzo Saba?The Seven Principles of Nguzo Saba have their roots in a rich African cultural history. They are the foundations of the 7-day Kwanzaa family and community celebration practiced by many African American families, which begins each year on December 26, the day after Christmas. Part of the celebration includes lighting a candle that's been placed in a specially prepared candleholder, after which members of the family or group that has gathered talk about one of the principles.
The Seven Principles are:
UMOJA (Unity)
This means helping each other stay together as families, communities, a nation, and a race.
KUJICHAGULIA (Self-Determination)
This is the right to decide who we are, what our names will be, what we will become, and what we will create for ourselves. We will not let others do these things for us.
UJIMA (Collective Work and Responsibility)
This means we should build and take care of our communities. We should work together to solve our problems.
UJAMAA (Cooperative Economics)
This means we should build our own stores, shops, and businesses. We should profit from them together.
NIA (Purpose)
Our purpose should be to make our people and communities as great as they can be. We can do this by taking care of our homes and communities, and developing the skills and knowledge of all our people.
KUUMBA (Creativity)
As African American people, we should do as much as we can, in our unique way, to make our homes and communities more successful and beautiful.
IMANI (Faith)
We strive to believe with all our hearts in the worth of African Americans. We believe in the struggle and victory of our people.
I, for one, am outraged that Seattle might stop funding this common-sense curriculum. Who's with me?