Black pride

Many Black Americans insist on calling themselves African Americans. Yet, many know little about their American heritage, and even less about African ancestry. 

That might be because “Black pride” is about as ethereal and subjective as religious faith.

Martin Luther King Jr. taught us the objective value of judging people not by the color of their skin but by the content of their character. 

Similarly, Black pride should be not about the assumption of things unseen but about the substance of deeds done.

The meaning of Kwanzaa

In this spirit of racial enlightenment, I celebrate Kwanzaa (December 26 to January 1).

The Afrocentric Dr. Maulana Karenga founded this holiday in 1966. He did want it to substitute for Christmas. Rather, he wanted it to reaffirm what it is to be of African ancestry.

Accordingly, I urge Black Americans to live according to the seven guiding principles (Nguzo Saba) of Kwanzaa. Doing so will make Black pride more than just hollow rhetoric.

The 7 Kwanzaa principles

1. Umoja (Unity): Umoja emphasizes the importance of togetherness for the family and the community. It reflects the African philosophy of “I am because We are.”

2. Kujichagulia (Self-Determination): This principle encourages defining our common interests and making decisions that serve the best interest of our family and community.

3. Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility): Ujima reminds us of our obligation to our past, present, and future. It highlights our role in the community, society, and the world.

4. Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics): Focused on collective economic strength, Ujamaa encourages us to meet common needs through mutual support.

5. Nia (Purpose): Nia inspires us to set personal goals that benefit us and positively impact our community.

6. Kuumba (Creativity): Kuumba urges us to use our creative energies to build a robust and vibrant community.

7. Imani (Faith): Imani is about honoring our traditions and drawing upon the best in ourselves. It’s about striving for a higher level of life for humankind by affirming our self-worth and confidence in our ability to succeed.

With that, here’s to Blacks celebrating Kwanzaa the way Jews celebrate Hanukkah.

Happy Kwanzaa!