2nd Day of Celebration Self Determination Kujichagulia

A Celebration of Family, Community and the Common Good

 

This is the second day of celebration when we look at Self-Determination/Kujichagulia

 

To define the world in our own image and interest, placing the people and our history and culture at the center of our worldview and social reality

Perspective on Self-Determination

Implied and embedded in the principle self-determination is the notion of respect which a people have for its culture and historical and current contribution to the world. At the family level this translates into the art, music, and literature which is possessed or a part of the home.

Focus: What Self-Determination Day is about?

Self-Determination Day focuses on activities which reinforce the principle Self-Determination. Some activities may include, but are not mandatory:

• Emphasize that the creation of Kwanzaa was an act of self-determination
• Review the Kwanzaa symbols
• Make the celebration focus on your family
• Make the celebration festive and joyous
• Try to have a special meal- at home or away
• Make the day special with a focus on culture and history

Candle Lighting Activity

Candle Lighting: On the second day of Kwanzaa the family lights the red candle. This candle is symbolic of the effort. The placement and order of the Kwanzaa candles teach and reinforce valuable lessons for the family. The red candle is symbolic of the effort a person, family, school or community makes. The lesson is that we light the red candle to reinforce the value of work and effort.  Frederick Douglass commented that what works is work, and his insightful observation and iron law of human history: “If there is no struggle there is no progress.”

The candle lighting activity presents one of the best moments for family members to assess their practice around “self-determination” and make a specific commitment to practice “self-determination” during the next year.

Note: Emphasize the positive in the assessment. Do not start with what has not been done. Reinforce and reward even partial achievement or success. Record your family commitments in a Kwanzaa journal.

Source: http://kwanzaaguide.com/2010/12/december-27-day-two-of-kwanzaa-kujichagulia-day/