Developing New Year Resolutions by Reflecting on the Seven Kwanzaa Principles

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Happy Kwanzaa! We are approaching the final year of the International Decade for People of African Descent (IDPAD) (2015-2024) (https://www.un.org/en/observances/decade-people-african-descent). Let us do so with more intentionality. IDPAD has the theme of recognition, justice, and development. One approach is to use the Seven Kwanzaa PRINCIPLES as a powerful time to reflect on our past year's efforts and refocus on the upcoming year.?

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Let us continue to make Black History and Black Excellence an everyday occurrence and be heroes to at least one person. If this message resonates, reflect on it and share it. If it does not, I hope you will continue to have a fantastic day and a wonderful year ahead. Walk Good! ?#Kwanzaa #AfricanDescent #DEIB? #GlobalGoals #Heroes #IDPAD? #BlackExcellence #GivingSeason #50_30Challenge

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Kwanzaa is an annual week-long African ancestry and culture celebration from December 26 to January 1. Dr. Maulana Karenga, an activist and academic, founded it in 1966 to unite African Americans and honour their cultural heritage. The Swahili expression "matunda ya kwanza," which translates to "first fruits," is where the term "Kwanzaa" originates.

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The celebration combines several traditional practices, such as the daily burning of candles on a kinara (candleholder) to symbolize the Nguzo Saba or the Seven Principles of Kwanzaa. These principles are Nia (Purpose), Kuumba (Creativity), Ujima (Collective Effort and Responsibility), Umoja (Unity), Kujichagulia (Self-Determination), and Imani (Faith).

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Day 1 of 7 is Umoja (oo-MOH-jah) or Unity, which inspires people to work toward and uphold Unity within their families, communities, and among all people of African heritage around the globe to overcome obstacles and accomplish shared objectives.

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Reflection - What healing can we foster in our families, communities, nations, and races? How can we become a connector where required? What were my relationships like in 2023? How would I want to improve my relationships in 2024? #Umoja #Unity

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Day 2 of 7 is Kujichagulia (koo-jee-chah-goo-LEE-ah) or Self-Determination, which empowers individuals to take charge of their lives, make decisions that benefit themselves and their communities, and stand up for their right to self-determination and personal growth.

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Reflection - Some of us may not have the blessings of mentors and sponsors, but how can we advocate for ourselves in the spaces we live and work? What should we continue doing, stop doing, and start doing? Remember this #IAmRemarkable expression, "It is not bragging if it is based on fact". #Kujichagulia #Self-Determination

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Day 3 of 7 is Ujima (oo-JEE-mah) or Collective Work and Responsibility, which hopes to build stronger, more resilient communities where everyone contributes to encouraging and upholding one another through teamwork, collaboration, and a dedication to working together.

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Reflection - How can we become more effective collaborators? Consider engaging in community service initiatives that tackle local concerns or volunteer regularly to demonstrate dedication to shared responsibility and have a good influence. #Ujima #Collective #Work #Responsibility

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Day 4 of 7 is Ujamaa (oo-jah-MAH) or Cooperative Economics, which emphasizes a cooperative economy and establishing and sustaining local companies, thus promoting teamwork and accountability while highlighting the value of financial cooperation, independence, and support for locally held enterprises run by individuals.

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Reflection - How can we be more supportive of black-owned businesses? Many small businesses have suffered significant blows due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Some did not survive. How can we help the existing ones? Consider investing in financial literacy education initiatives or commit to prudent spending and saving practices. #Ujamaa #Cooperative #Economics

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Day 5 of 7 is Nia (NEE-ah) or Purpose, which strongly emphasizes group effort and accountability, inspiring people to take stock of their contributions to create and grow their communities to bring their people back to their former glory.

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Reflection - Are we living our Purpose? How can we assist others in living their Purpose? We all have a sense of our Purpose. Let us ensure we spend time confirming our goal and delivering against it. As we end one calendar year and commence another, this type of reflection is the best time. It is a beautiful time to quiet ourselves and listen to our inner voice. #Nia #Purpose

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Day 6 of 7 is Kuumba (koo-OOM-bah) or Creativity, which inspires people to work for innovation, Creativity, and ongoing community betterment. It exhorts individuals to use their Creativity to solve issues and express themselves innovatively, culturally, and intellectually to leave the community more beautiful and helpful than when they found it.

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Reflection - How can we better express our Creativity and mentor others? Develop your Creativity by taking up new interests, picking up new skills, or creating creative answers to problems in your personal or professional life. #Kuumba #Creativity

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Day 7 of 7 is Imani (ee-MAH-nee) or Faith, which stresses having Faith in oneself, one's family, community, and the ability for a brighter future. Promotes optimism and hope for the future by provoking contemplation on the successes and difficulties of the previous year.

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Reflection - We all have different beliefs. However, to each of us, our Faith is crucial. Be mindful of how you express your Faith, which is unique and special. It is part of who we are, and we should honour it. Develop a positive outlook, engage in resilience exercises, and strengthen your Faith in overcoming setbacks when pursuing individual or group objectives. #Imani #Faith

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