Creativity is King

31st December, 3023, a young archaeologist finds the charred remnants of two documents at an excavation site. We might have to suspend our belief for a minute or two, as planet earth might have ceased to exist. After cataloging, performing scientific tests, and conferring with a team of experts, they struggle to decode the script, dated 2023.

What is the significance of these documents? What narratives do they hold about the history and culture of that time? What community created this? These questions posed by an archaeological team in 3023 reflect the concerns of Kuumba, the sixth principle of Kwanzaa. Swahili for creativity, Kuumba builds on the seeds of the creative purpose expressed through Nia (the fifth candle). Kuumba is focused on preserving history and culture as a testament to the past and future of people of African descent. Kuumba asks individuals, and communities to commit to preserving the beauty and creativity of African Diaspora cultures. Kuumba is deeply rooted in the worldview of the Dogon people of Mali. The seven rays of vibration illustrate the Dogon creation myth See the diagram below.

The preservation of Dogon architecture mirrors the aspirations of creative sustainability and cultural legacy associated with the sixth candle. The settlement of Djenné in Mali dates to the 3rd century BCE and is one of the earliest preserved settlements in sub-Sahara Africa. Its earth-based architecture, cultural, and environmental uniqueness are preserved as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Peer through the windows of time in the link below.

Kuumba reminds people of African descent to become custodians of our history. It is important that future generations stay inspired and nourished by our contributions to the human project. We are called upon to continue the tradition of holding our histories within our bodies and communities. Toni Morrison's water metaphor captures the spirit of Kuumba Kwanzaa, as she reminds us that:

"...All water has a perfect memory and is forever trying to get back to where it was. Writers are like that: remembering where we were, that valley we ran through, what the banks were like, the light that was there and the route back to our original place. It is emotional memory...

After Water no get enemy ( Fela Kuti)

my promise

I will bathe wounds

of your regrets

as long as you

do not forget

?Yewande Okuleye 2023