Sheema-Gorath

Today is the 27th of December and the second day of Kwanzaa. This year I am going to celebrate it through intent, art, and actions since I do not have any physical items that represent the event. I decorated my room with drawings and drawn flags. Everyday I will wear my loc soc and wrap a long patterned strip of cloth on my forehead to symbolize African clothing. I am going to write about everything I will do for each day starting from December 26 till January 1st.

Things to remember:

Umoja- Unity

Nguzo Saba- The 7 principles

Kujichagulia- Self determination

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Day 2

There’s 7 Nguzo Saba and today’s principle is Kujichagulia so I will draw a yellow teardrop above the first red candle (far left) to symbolize and create my version of a lit candle. The red candle is lit second to represent struggle but don’t look at it in a negative way because we’ve came a long way and we will continue to fight for our respect and peace. Each candle stays lit every day until Kwanzaa is over. Each day I will focus on the nguzo saba of the day by journaling what it means to me and performing actions relating to it. Yesterday was my first time ever celebrating Kwanzaa and I had a blast. The nguzo saba was Umoja and at the end of the day I listened to music that ranged from black to African music while I also allowed my body to be free and move to the beat. I felt a sense of familiarity when the vibrations of the African music crossed paths with my heart. Today is Kujichagulia and that represents how we define, name, and speak for ourselves. Ask yourself: Who am I? What adjustments do I need to make? What am I grateful for and proud of that I accomplished this year? How can I improve my community? How can I promote or maintain peace? How can I help? Today I am going to draw free-expression, African, and black art because I noticed that when I drew my Kwanzaa decorations a few days ago it felt natural and refreshing.