Journey to Simba Simbi: Elements of Womanhood

The 3rd Day

For the last two days of the fast, I’ve broken. My mind was not ready and I couldn’t just go to sleep.

I should have had water. I should have had juice. I should have prayed.

But I ate.

Not a lot. Very little, really. I just couldn’t hear myself over my protesting stomach.

Today, there will be none of that.

This journey is not unlike the one to veganism. A feat of strength.

I am stronger than my body.

The ladies of JSSEW are participating in a fast to celebrate Kwanzaa and foster our own personal growth going into the New Year.  Due to personal stress I slipped on Day 1.  Thank God for my sisters who told me to continue tomorrow, with no judgement.  That made me think about the whole concept of New Years Resolutions.  Why do we decide that something will be best for us and then wait to do it? Today is 12.26.2011, why would I wait until 1.1.2012 to make the positive changes that I need to make?  I pledge that I will never let one bump in the road spoil the whole path.  I won't wait to do what is right, I will do it today. 

Peace and Blessings,

Today marks the first day of a 7-day fruit fast. I embarked on this journey for many personal reasons - but quite frankly because I know that I needed healing...I know that I needed an opportunity to channel an energy within me that needs new life. I will be honest and note that I am anit-new year's resolutions.. the whole Next Year is My Year Campaign makes me roll my eyes. But my decisions for cleansing and redirecting my focus are not about 2012 - this is essentially a long time coming and I just happened to put a time stamp on how I wanted to begin the process of making some life transitions - for myself.

When I woke this morning - I felt excited about the beginning of the new day. This is also the first day of Kwanaza with the first principle being UNITY. When I thought about the principleo of the day - I immediately said a prayer of thanks for my JSSEW sisters who are also participating in this fast. While we may have different motivations for the process - I found comfort in knowing that my commitment was not alone.

I have to be honest.. this day was not met without struggle. Seemingly the day after Christmas is a day that EVERYBODY wants to treat you out for a home cooked meal or a five start dinner.. I had to chuckle because I feel in some way that I had to fight against my own will to stay focused.

When I realize the benefits of doing this for myself.. and how much stronger I feel that I will become because of the diligence.. I am consumed with a sense of will power to hold out. It's mind control.. I got this. I am doing this for me.. and enough to keep me on target.

This weekend I have had the privilege to celebrate sisterhood in my personal life. Relationships with women who are not bond to me by familial ties but who have chosen a commitment to my life through our pledge of service to our sorority. What I find most fascinating is that similar to my JSSEW sisterhood - I share a special love with women to whom I didn't know prior to our journey together – but now can’t seem to imagine the time before we were friends. In both circles, I play the "elder" role and find myself providing a balance of a new set of experiences as a mother and tenured professional. Interesting enough, I often feel like I learn more from the “young ones” than I give in return.

As I prepare lesson plans on the African Sisterhood – the vocabulary word “courage” continues to emerge as a term that incorporates the theme of this bond.

In jest, someone referred to us as “The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants” – a few weeks ago and “courage” surfaced once again. In the film, Lena says her friends “gave her courage”. Of all the gifts that she received from her sisterfriends, she felt courage had been the prize. She admired their ability to see the world differently than she does.

I am thankful for women in my life that allow me to “see the world through their eyes”. My sisterfriends allow me a safe space to redefine passions that I have curbed and philosophies that I have not explored. Sometimes I reflect on our differences and surprise myself with how much we have in common despite them. From music, to food, to hair, to experiences, to backgrounds, to work styles, to dialect, to interests, to humor – we bring a diverse balance to our circle that for me – makes the sisterhood so special.

Just my thoughts tonite.. be blessed.

"Afrikans shuold use the term 'Jegna," not mentor, when honoring those Afrikans who unselfishly put so much of their energy into training our youth to be adult warrior scholars. Because, using the European language out of which we speak and define reality, to call someone your mentor is to call him/her your rapist. Jegna is a word taken from the Amharic language of Nubia. It refers to those who are altruistically committed, out of an unqualified duty to their people and nation, to teach our children the art and science of a politically conscious adulthood. Or, as articulated by Wade W. Nobles...'Jegna (Jenoch, plural form) are those special people who have (1) been tested in struggle or battle, (2) demonstrated extraordinary and unusual fearlessness, (3) shown determination and courage in protecting his/her people, land and culture, (4) shown diligence and dedication to our people, (5) produced an exceptionally high quality of work, and (6) dedicated themselves to the protection, defense, nurturance and development of our young by advancing our people, place and culture.'"  - Mwalimu K. Baruti (Read the full post here.)

While lesson planning for our summer program, I came across this quote on Revolutionary Daily Thoughts. As an organization, we had been thinking about what terms we should use to define ourselves and how they will apply to fulfilling the mission of JSSEW and Baruti has provided some definite insight. Language is a powerful tool, a tool that can simultaneously deny and empower agency for a group of people. Time and time again I feel myself completely shortchanged by the English language, unable to fully express my thoughts and opinions, bound by semantics and concepts that are tangential to the issue at hand. In my role, I want to ensure that I am not reinscribing our current oppression without presenting an alternative to the youth. I cannot deny how I was raised nor can I deny Maat, Maafa, or Sankofa. I want the youth to grow up in wisdom and knowledge but most importantly with the tools to enable them to THINK CRITICALLY, to CHALLENGE others and themselves, to INSPIRE with love and humility, and to LOVE.... their people.

As supporters of JSSEW what do you think? 

Back to lesson planning for JSSEW.

Read More:

Jegna v. Mentor

The Jegna Award

In the last week, our patience with other things and dedication to the program has been tested and pushed to the absolute limit. Simple tasks have been completely overturned by things we couldn't possibly control.

This is a side effect of perpetual mostness.

One thing has proven true about JSSEW women: we don't understand enough.

We always try to squeeze in one last thing. If we aren't always doing the most, we feel like underachievers. It's why we're friends, and why we've become sisters.

Today we share our work, our vision, our baby with a circle of women that we are calling upon to "hold us up". Somehow the work of caring for and mentoring and training young girls was overshadowed by the reality that we would also need to have someone do the same for us. There are butterflies in my stomach as I prepare to present a child that has been the love of my life over the past several months. I am nervous about whether or not I will be able to describe in great detail how much I believe JSSEW needs to happen - that her purpose for existing has already been pre-destined as a life changing component to a young girl's life. Ask me how I know this? Because when I dream about the vision of the program - as we go about the business of the program - as things fall together so that greater things can happen for the program - I recognize a divine order.. it is felt that the road has been paved for us to complete the work of JSSEW. But how do you convey to a group of "surrogate mothers" that we are calling upon them to love this child like we do. How do you "sell" the story of how this program will be different from similar ones that attempt the same work? As I sit here and review the agenda, as I correspond with my sistern on the objective of today, as I prepare my "stump speech"... I will pray. I will pray that God will come into the place today and speak through us. That God will give us the words to paint a beautiful picture of the baby we are creating and how she will go on to provide an abundance of knowledge, support and love to the young girls she will serve.

Every time I prepare to reflect on JSSEW, I am reminded of how blessed I am to have the opportunity to embark on a JOURNEY of reflection, growth, and sisterhood with these women. It is unbelievable and simply takes my breath away each time I think about it. We often speak of how the divinity in our union to do this project is so clear. The ancestors, the creator, the universe…. saw it fit that we come together and do this project and we have been shining examples of that since the moment we realized it. With realization of this divinity, we understand the power within us that we are going to use to inspire youth in the Milwaukee area and as the adage goes, with great power comes great responsibility.

With every project that I begin, I reflect on The Ground Rules for Intellectual Work* which has roots in the work of Dr. Fu-Kiau. I see these rules as the responsibility of great power, the notion that we cannot embark on success with out first, knowing ourselves. 

The first rule is to BE PRESENT. This means we should situate ourselves in time and space (horizontally and vertically) to understand the breadth of our journey. In time, we recognize that we are reflections, manifestations, and reverberations of our ancestors so we must be conscious of our history in a chronological sense and an atemporal sense, a true practice of SANKOFA while understanding our present and looking forward to our future. Through conversation, we have come to understand one another AS SISTERS, presently going through similar situation and willing to provide support, guidance, and instruction to one another. 

The second rule is to READ and WRITE, to immerse ourselves in study of all forms to better understand that which we are trying to come to understand in such a matter that we KNOW what it is without doubt, ingenuity, or concern. JSSEW has been adamant in intellectually understanding mentorship while contexualizing its principles with cultural concepts and the realities facing the youth. 

The last step is to SPEAK TO AFTER, to use the aforementioned to speak to the future of our community. Working towards creating a sustainable program for our young girls is how we answer this. After destined success, it is what we do with the power and energy generated from the young girls that will provide fuel for us to continue to speak to after. 

It is through this study, that we came to be known as Journey to Simba Simbi: Elements of Womanhood. After personally embarking on a journey to understand Dr. Fu-Kiau this concept struck me:

"Simbi can be rendered in English language as that which holds "things" up. Simbi is the power behind all life. It is the food or the ingredient to all success. It is the secret behind all growth and development. It is the unseen, the limitless power beyond human imagination. Without it, the concept itself of our expending universe would not be conceivable. It is the "mothering principle" that mothers all. Neglected, this core principle of life can become the cause of all failures."

When I shared this in the group, everyone was immediately caught up in a communal spirit of agreement that called us to embody this concept, to live it, to share it with our youth and the community. It was at this moment, we began the collective Journey to Simba Simbi. Our program will work with young girls to cultivate understanding about the "mothering principle", how it manifests in them, how it manifests when they are amongst each other, how it manifests with their male counterparts, and how it manifests in the world around them. Through a journey that will challenge their maturity, enhance their self-concept, and build a sisterhood among their peers, these young women will come to understand THAT which holds them up!

in liberated peace and love,

This week I have reflected on the ideas of diligence, faithfulness and commitment. How often do we pledge to support a cause or an organization or an effort – to only later lose interest or realize that you’ve OVER committed? In my own personal life – I strive for balance and finding my center in all facets of my world. Being a mom, a student, having  career, my sorority and some sort of a social life – I am constantly trying to be SUPERWOMAN to everybody. I have come to realize that half efforts are not beneficial to anyone involved. As I prepare upon the new year and I gather my thoughts on how to become more efficient in the way I multi-task and prioritize – I understand better that I will need to be very clear about my passions so that I can provide the work to help those passions prosper.

My vested interest in JSSEW is not a “thing that I’m doing today”. This is not a project that I’m temporarily engaged in for the season. The time that I have carved out of my life to carefully help prepare for her birth is precious and important to me...a purpose that I believe has to be fulfilled…a divine purpose.  I don’t just want to see her launch, but I want to watch her grow and ultimately create a legacy of mentorship relationships that provide long-term support circles for women.

But what does faithfulness mean? It means, that I put my money where my mouth is. There is a cost to build.. there is a cost to develop.. there is a cost to maintain. Before I can move forward and ask that other JSSEW community supporters bless our program financially – I have to be willing to make the same contributions.  I need to share the vision of JSSEW in such a way – that supporters see the gift of her birth and want to help see her come to life.

But what does diligence mean? It means, that I will hold on and continue to work. Working in conjunction with my “exec sisters” to meet our goals in a timely manner so that we can move strategically towards our launch. The work – when incorporated in my life – may call for some sleepless nights.. I have to prepare for the long haul.

My mom always says, anything worth having is worth working for. I never understood this statement until I had to hold out and push towards the resistance. There are days when I am overwhelmed with “the work”.. and moments when the roadblocks seem to be a major setback.. but I trust that God will reward my  faithfulness. I trust Him. I believe.

Success will find us working.. Ashe!

I've spent time reviewing our source text to prepare for this post this week.

After all the reading and meditating, the best idea came from the meeting we had last night.

The phrase "simba simbi" means "to hold up that which keeps you." [playing a little mix and match with the given definitions]

In the time that we've been working together, the other founders and I have come to really embody that. We are the keepers of each other, and we support each other in every decision we make. When doing the most, we push each other to do a little more.

Through the founding of this program, we have become "the keepers" of the community as a whole. The success of the program will ultimately be what holds us up. Because of all the time I've spent trying to protect the girls I work with, I have been rewarded with being protected by some of the strongest people I've ever met. 

Reflecting upon the essence of why JSSEW exists begins with the energy that created the vision in the first place. The energy derives from the philosophy of Dr. Fu-Kiau in his book: Simba Simbi: Hold Up That Which Holds You Up. The act of living in such a way that is protective and a keepsake of those that give you power and those that bless you. The notion that we have an innate moral responsibility to nuture and guide all that we touch and value has become a founding principle for this organization. After meditating on the teaching of the work - I felt that a RIGHT spirit had been awakened within allowing me to have a new respect for my role in completing the circle of life. Far more powerful than ideals of "paying a blessing forward" or "doing unto others as you would have done to you" but rather a calling to acknowledge the divine power of caring for one's own.  As a member of the Executive Staff for JSSEW - it becomes essential for me to align my own guiding beliefs with the order of serving and holding up black girls who will represent my future. I need to be vested in the faith that by fulfilling the principle of service is vital to the longevity of prosperity for life. I believe in the power of submitting myself to creating a source of support, strength and healing to those that have fruit to bear, gifts to share and purpose to be fulfilled.

Simba Simbi - the practice of changing my life to carry out a life work that will sustain an energy for the life to come.

I believe.

A TRIBUTE TO GREAT BLACK WOMEN IN HISTORY 

Saturday December 17th, 2-4PM EST Cost: $20 Location: Abibitumi Kasa Member Classroom http://www.abibitumikasa.com/forums/chat.php Lecture by: Dr. Runoko Rashidi Organized by: Obadele Kwame Kambon A Tribute to Great African Women: An Online Slide Presentation Lecture by historian Runoko Rashidi is a stunningly visual overview of African women both ancient and modern, far and wide, here and there. It looks at African women as the mothers of humanity, and examines the role of African women as shapers of classical civilizations in Africa and around the world. It looks at the African woman as God and Goddess, Black Madonna and Holy icon. It looks at the African woman as mother and wife, queen and educator, warrior and diplomat. It traces the movements of African women in Egypt of the pharaohs, western and central Africa, early Europe, the Middle East, Pakistan and India, the South Pacific and Southeast Asia, ancient and modern America. It looks at images of African women around the world and highlights the lives of numerous African-American women from Sojourner Truth to Fannie Lou Hamer. A Tribute to Great African Women is designed to both inspire and educate. This absolutely captivating presentation incorporates sixty of Dr. Rashidi's most magnificent photos and leaves the audience proud, uplifted, motivated and empowered.

Logging on to Facebook and seeing that the JSSEW fan page has 100 "likes" caused me to feel both pride and humility.  The pride came from seeing us grow from words on a flip chart to an organization on a mission to empower young women.  The humility is because this organization is not about us, it is about doing what we are called to do.  The women of JSSEW know that we are called to serve.  There is a reason that we came together with the same passion and the same love for the work that we do.  We understand that our job is not to "save" these young women, but to foster their growth and empower them to know how invaluable they are.  We know that we will learn from them as they will learn from us.  This is an organization of constant growth and learning for everyone involved.  We believe in our model and we appreciate your support.  Peace and Love.

This week we have made great strides towards validating our status as an official not for profit organization. Administrative work remains a very tedious and necessary component of our development stage. As I reflect on other organizations of which I am connected, affiliated or represent - I consider the behind the scenes business that occurs in order to keep the wheels turning. Sometimes we take for granted the details in the work. I am thankful for every moment we have spent to dot the i's, to cross the t's and to add the individual touch to ensure that JSSEW represents the vision we have created.

This week the group has been diligent in enlarging our territory within the community by SHOWING UP and being present. We share a common desire to not only advocate for the future of JSSEW but to also support programs, black owned businesses and local artists. I pray that our efforts to build relationships and partnerships will be blessed in return.