Habari Gani? KUJICHAGULIA!
(koo–gee–cha–goo–LEE–yah)
Today, on the second day of Kwanzaa we celebrate Kujichagulia or Self-Determination which is to define ourselves, name ourselves, create for ourselves, & speak for ourselves. Kujichagulia is an opportunity to get in touch with what makes us who we are.
Today’s reflection on Kujichagulia comes from Program Associate, paradyse oakley.
As we move into 2024, let’s practice Kujichagulia by getting to know our families better! Sankofa is an African word from the Akan tribe in Ghana meaning going back and fetching so we can move forward stronger and together. This is a wonderful time of year as many of us gather to “go fetch” your family history and get curious!
This Kwanzaa, we invite you to find a way to connect with your family roots and history in ways that feel nurturing and meaningful. This can be by sharing and telling stories over old photographs or videos, or by doing some research to learn more about your ancestry. If possible, we encourage you to have curious conversations with an elder in your family to know more about your family’s past. Here are some questions to get you started:
- Tell me about the town where you grew up.
- Who is your favorite family member? Why? How do you honor them today?
- What did your parents do for a living?
- What do you remember about your grandparents?
- What advice do you have for my generation about life? love? family?
Activity: Be an archivist! As a family, create a list of questions to interview someone you admire in your family. If possible, record this conversation either in writing, audio, or video.
Places to explore and be inspired: