Habari gani, everyone! [What’ssssssss happening, my people!]
This month, it’s all about Ujima. [Collective work and Responsibility.]
Noooooooooo, don’t go checking your calendars! Your DJ is not mistaking April 2018 for December 2017. Wayyyyyyy too much goodness has taken place for that to happen.
It’s just that with the start of a this new month – the fourth in 2018, I’ve come to realize how much my New Year’s idea of intentionally practicing the 7 principles of Kwanzaa (one a month at a time, starting in February) has actually lived itself out in my actions, observations, and thoughts without me putting it on a vision board or publicly declaring my intent.
For example, February. Umoja! [Unity]
All I have to say is “Black Panther,” and we know how the phenomenal, record-shattering blockbuster movie has created more unifying movements within our community in 2018 than anything else the year before we first thirsted over the idea of a solo film featuring this Marvel comic superhero. Both #BlackPantherChallenge projects – the fundraising one for kids to see the movie at no cost to them or their families AND the dance one with teams showing off their creativity in choreography, style, and film – have ignited efforts to bring folks from all over together (in small and large ways) for causes with this one breathtaking thing in common.
That’s some serious umoja!
And, I was (and still am) here for it – have watched BP twice (so far), read almost every article about its impact, and viewed as many YouTube videos on reactions, discussions, take-aways and lessons surrounding it. But for me, just witnessing the unity it created across the African Diaspora has made all the difference in how I view Umoja now – its totally possible and achievable for us as a community. LOVE it!
And then there was March. Kujichagulia!
This principle is about personal determination – strengthening your own will to succeed and be of value in the world. For me, that manifested itself in two ways last month.
One was my first ever public display (and sell) of my photography through hand-crafted items at an annual Native American gathering – and BIG shout out to ECNAO at East Carolina for the love! My act of self-determination marked a major milestone for me in what has been months (but more like years) of second-guessing my business ideas then moving forward to personally fund them, of doubting my talent and strengths as an amateur photographer and then believing others will appreciate what I have to offer.
The second came through my participation in work activities to spotlight the contributions AmeriCorps members make within our communities each day. Because of those National AmeriCorps Appreciation Week events, I was reminded of how being a former AC volunteer has impacted (and continues to impact) my life and how my self-determination to overcome challenges and be of value in the world continues to impact the lives of others.
Of course, I have to insert another Black Panther moment here. Why, you ask? Uhhhhh, because the message in this speech delivered by Danai Gurira, who played Okoye in the movie, epitomizes Kujichagulia is so very many ways:
Keep moving forward!
Now it’s April.
Which brings me to the playlist for today’s show…
It’s all about Ujima, right? And this principle centers on the importance of working together and sharing responsibility with others to make our dreams come true.
So I’ve gotta bring it with some new school, old school, and a little mix of both for my listeners! First up on the turntable, we’ve got a collaboration of artists from across the continent of Africa representing how we are one Africa:
“Africa Rising/We Are One Africa” featuring Mi Casa, Davido, Tiwa Savage, Sarkodie, Diamond Platnumz, and Lola Rae (2014/2015):
And then…
The other day, I stumbled across a classic that showcases Ujima all too well. Taking it back, here’s Janet Jackson with “Rhythm Nation” (1989):
And, just in case you’re wondering why I picked this song… The lyrics are calling for us all to come together (and have been since the late ’80s):
This is the test
No struggle no progress
Lend a hand to help
Your brother do his bestThings are getting worse
We have to make them better
It’s time to give a damn
Let’s work together come on, yeahPeople of the world today
Are we looking for a better way of life
We are a part of the rhythm nationPeople of the world unite
Strength in numbers we can get it right
One time
We are a part of the rhythm nation
But, if that wasn’t enough to get you out of your seats, reviving the “running man” in all of us, then I can’t help you become a part of the rhythm nation!
However, maybe this song can show you another way there…
It’s one of the most classic old school house tracks you’ll hear about this principle of togetherness – Aly-Us and “Follow Me” (1992):
Ok… Closing out today’s broadcast, I’ve got Black Coffee featuring Hugh Masekela with “We Are One” (2009):
With that, it’s your girl – DJ Lady Luck – encouraging you to keep working towards incorporating Umoja, Kujichagulia, Ujima, and all the other Kwanzaa principles into your daily lives.
Peace and blessings to you.
Lucretia By Design, LLC 