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Habari gani?!? I am Elder Hattie Alexander-Key from MCC Detroit, Michigan in the USA. We join in celebration with those who honor the 7-day cultural holiday of Kwanzaa. But what is Kwanzaa? Who celebrates it? Where did this practice come from? How significant is this celebration of Kwanzaa to the congregations of the Metropolitan Community Church?
Dr. Maulana Karenga, an American activist, author and professor of Africana studies, is best known as the creator of the pan-African and African-American holiday of Kwanzaa. His work is focused on cultural and political activism, particularly the celebration of African heritage and Black culture, and to reaffirm and restore African heritage and culture to those who had their identity, culture, language and religion forcefully demonized, denied and devalued.
Kwanzaa always begins on December 26th and ends on New Year’s Day. During the seven-day celebration of Kwanzaa, we gather to introduce and reinforce the Nguzo Saba or the Seven Principles. Whether we are African-American, Afro-Caribbean, Afro-Cuban, Afro-Brazilian, or any of the African people of the diaspora these principles can be guides in our lives.
We discuss in our gatherings, how we have lived into the principles in this current year and the ways we would like to be more active in the year to come? What are the nguzo saba; the seven principles? What do they mean?
We start with Umoja =Unity. We should strive for cohesiveness and not division. As Jesus taught us, “a house divided cannot stand.” If we are to prosper as a people; as a denomination we must be unified in thought and spirit.
Kujichagulia = Self-determination. To speak one’s own truth. To unashamedly declare that we are Divinely created and have every right to exist as the Beloved of God.
Ujima= Collective work and responsibility. We work together to build. We do not partner with those who find fault. How can we make this dream a better reality for all? We strive to join hearts and hands across the miles of separation.
Ujamaa= Cooperative economics. It is recorded that the congregations who knew the Apostles as pastors, “had all things common.” They sold their property and became both dependent on and responsible for one another. How can we share resources to build up this faith community?
Nia= purpose. What is our reason for being. How can we help one another to achieve the goal? If no more than a word of cheer or prayer, let us seek ways to lift our siblings. We are the salt of the earth, and lights that lead to Jesus, the Light of the world.
Kuumba=Creativity. Is there another community that is more artistic, colorful or creative? We have shown the world, as Queer people of color how to excel, when we were thought to be inept. Our joy of life is full, in the face of adversity and we show masterful leadership when others thought that we could only be led. We have the skill and creative flare to make something out of nothing.
Imani= Faith. Jesus said, “If you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you can move mountains.” What mountain stands in your way today? Is it racism, homophobia, transphobia, governmental injustice, feeling unseen or in danger? Know that giants do fall. Walls can be climbed and barriers can be broken. Faith in each other and faith in our Divine Source. As people of African descent, and members of the Metropolitan Community Church, we have a responsibility to remember who we are and to honor our ancestors who fought for the freedoms that we now possess.
Sing your song. Dance your dance. Allow the rhythm of the deep spirituality that has carried you into this place of PRIDE, guide and sustain you as we grow together, work together and find creative ways to be MCC, understanding that our purpose is to show the way for others, as we go forth with our shield of faith, which is belief in God’s word of truth that we are Divinely and Eternally loved.
In Jesus; Name. Ase, Amen. So it is.
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