The first fruits: the gifts of Kwanzaa need not be material ones, but they must be chosen with purpose

Black Issues Book Review, Nov-Dec, 2003 by Eric V. Copage

On this second day of Kwanzaa, Kujichagulia, I pledge to give the gift of deliberation by first asking if my definition of what it means to be black is likely to lead to prosperity and fulfillment. If so, I pledge to act according to my beliefs.

December 28-Ujima

a good paradigm for the third principle of Kwanzaa, Ujima, or collective work and responsibility, would be the multiplatinum records sales of your favorite recording artist, whether it is Luther Vandross or 50 Cent. These artists have sold millions of records. How? Do two or three dedicated fans waltz into a record store and each purchase 300,000 copies of every release? Or do millions of individuals enter record stores around the country and each buy one copy of a CD? The answer is obvious!

Dr. Karenga explains that Ujima means we should strive to build and maintain our community together and make our brother's and sister's problems our problems and to solve them together. It means listening to one another. It means being part of the brainstorming for a solution. If a black friend is looking for a job, it means going through our Rolodex for business contacts.

If a black friend has a health problem, it means recommending a trusted doctor, or a book that might offer a remedy, without being asked. We are only droplets in the ocean of life, only vapor in the sky, but through our collective actions our community will be renewed.

On this third day of Kwanzaa, Ujima, I pledge to give the gifts of nourishment and support by suggesting a solution--without being asked--when I notice someone in our community who has a problem.

December 29-Ujamaa

When I ask for a recommendation for a lawyer or tailor from a Jewish friend, nine times out often the person I am referred to will be Jewish. When I ask for a recommendation for a dentist or doctor from a gay friend, nine times out of ten the person I am referred to will be gay. When I ask for a recommendation fur a professional or business service from a black friend, nine times out often the person I am referred to is NOT black. The fourth principle of Kwanzaa, Ujamaa, or cooperative economics, suggests that we change that. In the words of Dr. Karenga, Ujamaa means we "build and maintain our own stores, and other businesses and ... profit from them together." Granted, black people do not have an equally strong presence in all professions. We don't necessarily own a lot of businesses. When you are pleased with the work of a black professional or business, SPREAD THE WORD. Put it on your to-do list to tell at least five people about this person or business.

On this fourth day of Kwanzaa, Ujamaa, I pledge to give the gift of economic support to the black community by purchasing at least one thing from a black merchant. I also pledge to give the gift of economic support by asking a minimum arrive friends to each recommend at least one black person or business I can patronize throughout the rest of the year.

December 30-Nia

Nia means purpose. On dais fifth day of Kwanzaa, Dr. Karenga suggests our purpose be to "make our collective vocation the building and developing of our community in order to restore our people to their traditional greatness."