Habari gani From Doc B Himself
I am now over half a century old and according to most doctors I am over half way to the end of my life. Most would say that I have attained a measure of success. I have one wife with two adult children. I have a six figure job, a house, a 401K, a Benz, a Lexus, a grand kitty and two grand puppies. One might say that I am living the American dream.
Over the years, I have been asked on more than one occasion, “What is the key to your success? How did you make it?” As I grow older, it's amazing to look back at how my answers have differed in so many ways yet in others not so much.
One of the most constant themes of all is Kwanzaa.
It's December in South Georgia here, which means 55 degrees for my morning prayer walk and 70 degrees for my afternoon of Audiobooks and chipping at the range. Some are thinking sleigh bells and snowmen, but I am seeing Vision boards and Umoja (Unity) cups.
Kwanzaa is a celebration of the harvest; the first fruits of the season. It harkens to a time of sowing and reaping in the land of our ancestors. Each symbol is full of intent and history and every year that we celebrate we add layers of experience that deepen the memories. I cannot remember the first time I saw a Kinara (Candle holder) resting upon a Mkeka (Mat) but I will never forget the feeling of pride as I saw the red, black and green candles and heard the voices tell me that red was for the blood that my ancestors lovingly shed for me, green was for the land which gave birth to a nation and black was for the people that were stolen but once were kings and queens. As the group poured libation and called the names of our forebears, I awaited my turn to drink from and then pass the cup from the eldest to the youngest. And now I am the eldest.
Kwanzaa is a 7 day celebration that focuses on a different principle each day. The family gathers around and lights the candle for the day and discusses the principle and what it means to them.
Umoja means unity.
Kujichagulia means self determination.
Ujima means collective work and responsibility.
Ujamaa means cooperative economics.
Nia means purpose.
Kuumba means creativity.
Imani means faith.
As a child, I practiced and rehearsed my comments with a sense of adulation and pride. As a parent, I ponder and wait with bated breath to hear what my children will say. They are our future and their thoughts point the way. Even the Zawadi (Gifts) that are given to the children on the last day are intended to be more than fun. They are also meant to be useful, personal and purposeful; directed at their growth and maturation into the next year. Kwanzaa is amazing in that way. It connects me to the power of my past while encouraging me with a glimpse of my future.
Today I would answer that the keys to my success are staying grounded, never forgetting where I came from and always being mindful of the legacy I must pass on. I am so excited for Kwanzaa, my village and my community. 2022 has been full of chaos but we are still connected. Through it all we rally to the cry…….Never Alone-Always us!
Mzuri Kwanzaa (Happy Kwanzaa)!!!
