i grapple with my feelings of honoring the holiday created by Maulana Karenga largely because of the lack of acknowledgement for the alleged heinous acts against women and members of the Black Panther Party, committed and partaken in by him during his time as an activist in the 60s/70s. i’d also like to do more of my own education on the situation for better understanding of what may have went down.
The accusatory acts, however, coincide with the promotion of togetherness he uplifts in the creation of Kwanzaa. My biggest requisite, however, is acknowledgment and remorse.
Additionally, how can we/do we acknowledge the holiday for what it does uplift while acknowledging the history tied to its founder? i wonder why it’s not something widely discussed and also wonder what critical conversations around this subject looks like.
In spirit of being an abolitionist, i for sure wonder what i’d like to gain from those conversations. What does it look like to have conversations about said violence while also recognizing the mission and importance of Kwanzaa? idk. These are thoughts i sit with as I’m always questioning my politics through real-life situations that cause me to challenge thoughts.
Beside that, in spirit of the 7-day African-centered holiday which uplifts Nguzo Saba (7 principles), i present my favorite one.
HABARI GANI?
Kujichagulia (self-determination): defining, naming and creating and speaking for ourselves
Self-determination is freedom from preconceived notions, judgments, projections, and the like. It’s honoring yourself and your inner child while not letting people or things define your boundaries and beliefs for you. It’s the power of expression when they thought you were only meant for oppression.
“We have been raised to fear the yes within ourselves, our deepest cravings. But, once recognized, those which do not enhance our future lose their power and can be altered.” Audre Lorde
How do you define self-determination?
For me, it means allowing myself to pursue my millions of ideas and passions gracefully. Not only pursuing, but owning them fully. It means dropping the passive tone and speaking with assertion. It means strutting eclectically, marching to the beat of my own drum — cuz who’s gonna check me about the rhythm?
It means seeing a problem and working to find a solution. Whether within a workspace or with my personal relationships. Going beyond saying “fuck it” to explore what could be done differently or identifying needs. I’ve found myself going through hella transformation in 2020 and haven’t looked back since. I’ve owned a lot about myself and have to chalk it up to the dedication to self-determination that has since developed.
A lot of my determination these days is rooted in the need for constant evolution of self as a means to encourage empowerment + revolution any way (that aligns with my politics) that i can. i pride myself in the roles of leadership i’ve stepped into, doing more to make my voice heard, becoming a role model to my sonshine, and the consistent sense of curiosity i display to be sure i’m always applying myself as a student, and a teacher when necessary.
This is what self-determination means to me.
i challenge you to reflect on what this means to you/for you. Or, maybe see what other principles among the Nguzo Saba stand out to you
the irony in quoting Audre Lorde when i recently learned that she also has history as an abuser. however, reading this piece provided me with insight given the situation of Lorde, Karenga, and others. still processing that tho. you should read it!
https://thefeministwire.com/2014/02/to-hell-with-the-goddess-in-celebration-of-the-human-person-audre-lorde/