Habari Gani!

We’re moving forward in the celebration of Kwanzaa! At The Tri-State Defender, we’re reflecting on the Nguzo Saba—the seven principles that guide us in this season of cultural pride and community building.

Each day brings an opportunity to focus on a principle: exploring its meaning, understanding its importance, and considering how we can live it out.

Yesterday, we lit the first green candle for Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility), honoring the power of collaboration. Today, we light the second red candle on the left side of the kinara for Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics).

We’ll also highlight local events where you can celebrate with others or simply offer reflections to help you connect with these values wherever you are. These principles inspire us to support one another and create a better future together.

Celebrating Ujamaa

Ujamaa is all about building wealth and prosperity within our community and ensuring that economic success benefits everyone. This principle calls us to think critically about how we spend, invest, and share resources to strengthen our collective well-being.

Dr. Maulana Karenga described Ujamaa as a pathway to empowerment:

“We must practice shared wealth and work to build a self-sufficient economy that serves the needs of our people.”

Reflections

As we light the second red candle, think about the impact of your financial choices. Are you supporting local businesses or investing in initiatives that align with your values? Ujamaa reminds us that every dollar we spend is a vote for the kind of world we want to create.

Today, take a step toward economic empowerment. Visit a local business, participate in a cooperative effort, or explore ways to invest in your community. Together, we can build a legacy of shared prosperity.

Ancestor’s Quotes of the Day

  • “If you want to lift yourself up, lift up someone else.” — Booker T. Washington
  • “Each generation must out of relative obscurity discover its mission, fulfill it, or betray it.” — Frantz Fanon
  • “Economic freedom is our greatest challenge and opportunity for growth.” — Martin Luther King Jr.

Events in Memphis Today

If you’re in Memphis, celebrate Ujamaa at:

• When: Sunday, December 29, 3:00 PM

• Where: Auction Block at Main and Auction

• What: A gathering focused on cooperative economics and fostering financial empowerment within the community.

Join us tomorrow for Nia (Purpose) as we explore how aligning our actions with a collective goal can bring meaning to our lives and strength to our community. Let’s continue celebrating Kwanzaa together!