As Kwanzaa descends upon us its seven principles, or Nguzo Saba, are brought to mind. Each of the seven days of Kwanzaa is dedicated to improving ourselves and the larger community through good deeds, collective work, responsibility, creativity and purpose. Occasionally fruits or hand made gifts are exchanged, but the holiday is primarily a time of self-reflection, unity and personal growth.
On the Second Day of Kwanzaa
Today as I was cleaning out my closet I was especially struck by the second Kwanzaa principle of Kujichagulia, or self-determination. It encourages us to forge our own path, to define, name and speak for ourselves through creativity. I thought of Muntadhar al-Zaidi, whose passionate shoe throwing spoke such volumes. I looked at my sad worn out shoes and was immediately inspired to create a personal Kwanzaa gift for him; and I will send them both to him, if he is ever released from prison.
Be careful what you step in.
[...] and water recycling systems. If only it were also sugar-free, organic and locally made. Happy Kwanzaa to us [...]