Practicing Kwanzaa Principles All Year Long

Rhonda B. Sewell - Toledo Blade

The principles of Kwanzaa, the cultural observance for black Americans and others of African descent, should be applied throughout the year, says Gwynelle Dismukes.

So say Kwanzaa organizers and the author of a new book, Practicing Kwanzaa Year Round: Affirmations & Activities Around the Seven Principles, (Book Publishing Company).

"I just saw how important and vital the principles are, and that people can practice these principles on the job through conflict resolution and diversity training, or as individuals through meditation, some group activity, or in the gathering of folks for some purpose," said Dismukes from her Nashville office. She has conducted workshops on Kwanzaa and African spirituality for more than a decade.

Kwanzaa includes the Nguzo Saba, or seven principles. In order of their observance are Umoja (unity), Kujichagulia (self-determination), Ujima (collective work and responsibility), Ujamaa (cooperative economics), Nia (purpose), Kuumba (creativity), and Imani (faith).

On each day of Kwanzaa, which in Swahili means "first fruits of the harvest," a candle is lit on a kinara, or candleholder, and one of the principles is observed. The observance reinforces the principles, which are expected to be followed year-round. Dismukes said that throughout the year her favorite principles include purpose, creativity, and faith.

"These principles are so essential and they lift me up, especially faith, because if you have faith it gives substance to your life, which can otherwise be overwhelming. With these principles, I keep a firm grip on what my priorities are," she said.

Although typically African-Americans observe Kwanzaa, she believes that people of every ethnic group can apply the principles in their lives. Her book includes an affirmation and activity with each guiding principle, which demonstrates how to incorporate the positive aspects of the observance into one's regular routine and how to find broader application in the community.

Pauline Kynard, director of the Art Tatum African-American Resource Center at the Kent Branch of the Toledo-Lucas County (Ohio) Public Library, said Kwanzaa always was intended to be applied every day of the year, but especially during the seven-day observance.

"Throughout the year, I usually concentrate on one or two of the principles, depending on what I'm doing in my life. This year, I've been especially concentrating on the principle Nia, or purpose, and asking myself questions around having more purpose in my life and career," said Mrs. Kynard.

Dismukes' book is available in bookstores or from the publisher, 1-888-260-8458.

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