Remembering The Seven Principles Of Kwanzaa
By Ms. Vickie M. Oliver-Lawson
First fruits is what the name Kwanzaa means
It’s celebrated everywhere by kings and queens
Based on seven principles that still exist
If you check out this rhyme, you’ll get the gist
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Umoja, a Swahili name for unity
Is the goal we strive for across this country
Kujichagulia means self-determination
We define ourselves, a strong creation.
Ujima or collective work and responsibility
Is how we build and maintain our own community
For if my people have a problem, then so do I
So let’s work through it together with our heads held high.
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Ujamaa meaning cooperative economics is nothing new
We support and run our own stores and other businesses, too
Nia is purpose, us developing our potential
As we build our community strong to the Nth exponential
Kuumba is the creative force which lies within our call
As we leave our community much better for all
As a people, let’s move forward by extending our hand
For Imani is the faith to believe that we can.
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These seven principles help to make our nation strong
If you live to these ideals, you can’t go wrong
But you must first determine your own mentality
And believe in yourself as you want you to be
And no matter how far, work hard to reach your goal
As we stand, as a people, heads up, fearless and bold.
