Kwanzaa: The Umoja and Unity Principle - Essay Example

Umoja

Umoja means unity (Ramirez, 2012). It mandates that every person that traces their descent from Africa must institute and maintain unity among themselves and a goodwill spirit as well. According to Ramirez (2012), it implies instituting family unity, unity across races in which each individual belongs, unity among the African American community, and unity with Africa as a motherland. The purpose of this principle is to create a strong bond among the various entities, personalities, and characters that share a common ancestral lineage.

Kujichagulia

This is the second principle. It is a Swahili word, which translated means self-determination (Ramirez, 2012). Self-determination depicts the motivation in an individual to support intrinsic or natural tendencies that concern effective behavior and healthy mannerism. In this context, the Kujichagulia principle indicates the importance of maintaining one's original identity as well as defining oneself and creating a special identity that relates to one's origin (Ramirez, 2012). It demands that the African Americans be proud of themselves and their origin, which ultimately enables them to communicate with sincere joy and pride. It also enables them to institute effective interpersonal connections with other ethnicities, races, and cultures.

Ujima

Ujima means collective duty and responsibilities (Ramirez, 2012). It directs the African community in working together to produce results that promote the greater welfare of the community. According to Ramirez (2012), it requires the African society to support one another in needy circumstances and in resolving social problems, that one or a few individuals cannot address effectively.

Ujamaa

Ujamaa means cooperative economics (Ramirez, 2012). According to Ramirez (2012), this principle encourages African Americans to support local businesses in their respective communities and to accord preferences for local suppliers and customers in a bid to promote mutual benefits within their communities. This principle empowers other members of the community, specifically the African Americans in need of brotherly support.

Nia

Nia means purpose (Ramirez, 2012). African American needs a purpose in everything they do, which encompasses the desire to bring effective developmental changes in their communities and families. It seeks to guide the community in the restoration of the African cultural values that once made the heritage glorious (Ramirez, 2012). An individual whose purpose centers mainly on him also contributes to the greater good of the community by self-advancement.

Kuumba

Kuumba means creativity (Ramirez, 2012). This principle calls upon the African society to explore all possible avenues of creating or adding value to the African community, which in the end benefits the larger community as a whole. They need to create business opportunities, solutions to problems, and strategies for implementing them.

Imani

Imani means having faith (Ramirez, 2012). Ensuring that the Africans have strong trust and faith in their fellow Africans, leaders, teachers, and ancestry motivates them in pursuing goals that are beneficial to society (Ramirez, 2012). It also creates a foundation for long term-term achievements and the success of personal goals and goals Kwanza.

Conclusion

The seven principles work together.  Kwanza is necessary because it not only offers a foundation for stronger family and cultural ties but also creates an identity for the African community. In addition, it offers a forum where members discuss pressing issues and formulate appropriate solutions.