Love, Laughter, and EVERYTHING in Between: Day 26-UNITY

Umoja (OO-MO-JAH) Unity begins the Kwanzaa celebration and stresses the importance of togetherness for the family and the community, which is reflected in the African saying, "I am We," or "I am because We are."

Another symbol that could be useful for Umoja reflections is the Nkonsonkonson – Chain Link – a symbol of unity and human relations; a reminder to contribute to the community; that in unity lies strength. It signifies the strong bonds between people of common blood relations that are difficult to break apart. The belief includes ancestors who are constantly protecting the living. It can also serve as a reminder to give a helping hand to strengthen the communities we live in, and encourages the veneration of the ancestors in order for them to keep in touch with the living. Baba Mxolisi T. Sowell

Candle Lighting: Today we light the BLACK candle or Umoja candle. The black candle symbolizes black people. So the lesson is this: We want to build up the capacity of unity in the family, our neighborhoods and among our people. To achieve this, we discuss ways which we will build, enhance, strengthen our family bonds and community ties.

What ways have you and your family practiced this principle?

~Until Next Time
SimplySHAY

Sharon Patrice Simply Perfect Peace Events, Inc. and Designs by Shay, the Blog "My Journey, My Way, My LIFESTYLE ~ Celebrating Love, Laughter and Everything in Between..." You or your brand interested in a review? Getting married or having a social event and need assistance? Email Me For All Your Event Planning Needs.

Kwanzaa: Day Five

Habari Gani (what's the news for today?)  NIA (Purpose)

To commit ourselves to the glorious duty of restoring our families, our neighborhoods, and our people to their historical greatness.  This principle presses upon our family and community members a commitment to make our families and neighborhoods function in a manner that affords children and adults the maximum conditions for success.

Family becomes the starting point for restoring our people to their traditional greatness.  The context of family fits into that of the neighborhood, and the context of the neighborhood into the larger context society and culture. What am I saying? Greatness of the nation begins at HOME.

What is your true purpose? What are you doing while here? Are you a giver or a taker? Are you a benefit to your community?

Sharon Patrice Simply Perfect Peace Events, Inc. You or your brand want coverage at an upcoming event? Getting married or having a social event and need assistance? Email Me For All Your Event Planning Needs.

Kwanzaa: Day Four

Habari Gani (what's the news for today)?  UJAMAA (Cooperative Economics). 

On this day we build and maintain our own stores, shops and other businesses and to profit from them together.


We know about small business Saturday but small business owners need more than one day to be successful.  If you are thinking about starting your own business, do so now.  Be knowledgeable about your craft and fair in your practices.  In addition, be sure to provide exceptional customer service.  If you are a consumer, know that a man is worthy of his hire.  Stop expecting something for nothing - this is how we will profit together!

What are you doing to practice this principle?

Sharon Patrice Simply Perfect Peace Events, Inc. You or your brand want coverage at an upcoming event? Getting married or having a social event and need assistance? Email Me For All Your Event Planning Needs.

Kwanzaa: Day Three

Habari Gani (What's the news for today)  Happy Ujima! Day Three of Kwanzaa focuses on collective work and responsibility. It involves taking a vested interest in the well-being of our families and communities - "I am my brother's keeper".  It is a requirement that we work together in ways that benefit everyone. With this concept, the problems of our brothers and sisters must be our own problems and we must solve them together.

How do I practice this principle?  My sister and I have a non for profit called DITO (daughters in the open) where the goal is to encourage women of all ages to walk through their door of opportunity.  We have "nieces" meetings where we mentor young ladies and they are able to share their concerns in a confidential and safe environment...
Another way I give back to my community is to share my experiences on college recruitment and help young men in any way possible see their potential of higher learning through athletics while expressing the importance of being a STUDENT and good citizen first.

I am really amazed how each of these concepts of Kwanzaa actually builds upon the founding principle of the first day: Unity. What are you doing to practice these principles?



Sharon Patrice Simply Perfect Peace Events, Inc. You or your brand want coverage at an upcoming event? Getting married or having a social event and need assistance? Email Me For All Your Event Planning Needs.

Kwanzaa: Day One

Unity/Umoja
To strive daily to engage in practices which build bonds of affection and attachment to our family members, our school teachers, and our neighbors.

Unity Day begins the Kwanzaa celebration. Each family/community celebrates Kwanzaa in a way that is most meaningful to them. Unity is the spiritual and social gravity which pulls the family together- husband and wife, parent and children, and family and neighbor. At its core, the principle unity is about attachment- attachment to each others and most importantly to the values which define us as family, as community and as a people. On Unity Day, the family celebrates its togetherness, the achievements of family members.

That being said:  What did you do to celebrate?  I had a good time with my family over the holiday.  Encouraged disconnections to be reconnected; took in my nephews basketball game with the family, fixed them brunch which led to a group nap and later enjoyed the McDipper (traditional holiday basketball tournament) with my sister.  For me celebrating my own family as well as the achievements of others is the true meaning of Unity.

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It is told that it take a village to raise a child. Let's take that same concept & apply it today.  Let's come together, lets be unified and become one. We need one another whether you realize it or not!!! (Vennie Tolbert-Rodgers, Mother of twins and Owner of Se'Relasse DaySpa and Wellness Center)






Sharon Patrice Simply Perfect Peace Events, Inc. You or your brand want coverage at an upcoming event? Getting married or having a social event and need assistance? Email Me For All Your Event Planning Needs.