In today’s world, where unarmed young Black men are being slain on America’s streets, Kwanzaa and its principles that promote harmony and peace probably are needed more now than at any time in recent memory. It is celebrated Dec. 26 through Jan. 1.
Unity (Umoja)
To strive for and maintain unity in the family, community, and race. This ideology, if practiced en masse, could be a reference point of peace in Ferguson, Missouri, where emotions have been on edge (and over the edge in some cases) since the town’s grand jury decided not to indict officer Darren Wilson in the shooting of unarmed teenager Michael Brown. The coming together on one accord in unity would serve the Black community well.
Self-Determination (Kujichagulia)
To define ourselves, name ourselves, create for ourselves and speak for ourselves. There has not been a singular voice that has expressed Black people’s distrust in the police and disheartened feeling about the justice system in the aftermath of the grand jury’s decision. But the prevailing feeling has to be to push forward in the face of injustice, using it as fuel.
