Habari Gani? What's the News? Ujima! Did you know that Ujima is the 3rd principle of the African-American cultural holiday, Kwanzaa? Kwanzaa week was founded by Maulana Karenga December 26, 1966. Ujima is derived from one of many East African native languages called Swahili.
Ujima stands for "collective work and responsibility" and in 2021, the seven principles of Kwanzaa will guide our actions as an organization throughout the new year.
Join us on Ujima's Facebook page Dec. 26th-Jan. 1st for Kwanzaa Holiday Reflections hosted daily at 9am by Ujima's founding board chairperson, Monica Horton. The format will flow accordingly: Kwanzaa greetings, introduce and explain the principle of the day and light the candles on the kinara. Monica's reflections will demonstrate how the principle of the day is exemplified in Black history, within our local community, and within Ujima as an organization. Daily reflections conclude with a Kwanzaa children's story. But first, the Kwanzaa Kick-off will be live on our Facebook page a week ahead, Dec. 19th at 9am.
While providing a weeklong, virtual learning experience about Kwanzaa, Ujima will launch its swag fundraiser: https://stores.inksoft.com/ujima_language_literacy/shop/home and invite viewers to purchase a limited-time only, specialty Kwanzaa drink from Big Momma's Coffee and Expresso Bar located at 217 E. Commercial Street, Springfield, MO 65803. To make a donation to support our family literacy nights, summer camp, or study buddies...or to help sponsor our Kwanzaa Holiday Reflections visit: https://www.ujimamo.org/giving
Harambee! It's time to pull together for the next generation of young readers as we also become a community partner and lead champion of local Kwanzaa celebrations for years to come! For more information on Kwanzaa visit: https://www.officialkwanzaawebsite.org/