Friday, March 29, 2024

YOU! HAVE THE POWER | Dr. Ellen Brown

December 14, 2022 by  
Filed under Community

Lessons from the Voices of the Past

BY DR. ELLEN BROWN

DR. ELLEN BROWN

Embrace the 7 principles of KWANZAA and pledge to empower yourself through what is already within YOU!

UMOJA – UNITY

As 2022 comes to an end, let us reflect on the experiences we were Blessed to receive. Express Joy and Thanksgiving for those which brought you what you need and want; they taught you lessons that will surely bring Joy and Thanksgiving.

KUJICHAGULIA – SELF DETERMINATION

In the principles of Kwanzaa, Self Determination begins within. We are reminded that we are not alone as those before us paved the way with plenty of blood, sweat and tears leaving behind lessons of what to do and what not. Do not trust others to provide your Power. Begin now writing your own stories of Power that will provide future generations the determination to persevere toward their dreams and goals.

Nguzo Saba – The Seven Principles of Kwanzaa

1. Umoja (Unity): To strive for and to maintain unity in the family, community, nation and race.

All things work together – Romans 8:28

2. Kujichagulia (Self-Determination): To define and name ourselves, as well as to create and speak for ourselves.

Here is the POWER. This principle reminds us we are not alone in our journeys Our ancestors empowered us as they fought, for their identities and a future for the lives we are now living

3. Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility): To build and maintain our community together, making our brothers’ and sisters’ problems our problems—and working to solve them together.

4. Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics): To build and maintain our own stores, shops and businesses—and profit from them together.

5. Nia (Purpose): To make our collective vocation the building and developing of our community in order to restore our people to their traditional greatness.

6. Kuumba (Creativity): To always do as much as we can, in the way we can, in order to leave our community more beautiful and beneficial than it was when we inherited it.

7. Imani (Faith): To believe with all our hearts in our people, our parents, our teachers, our leaders — and the righteousness and victory of our struggle.

Dr. Ellen Brown enjoys writing on political topics that encourage and invite discussion leading to action. She is a retired university educator and dean and can be reach her with thoughts and ideas at ebrown.nci@gmail.com

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