The third night is Ujima , or a focus on collective work . “ That ’ s where all of us work together to produce something . Our kids talk about having regular chores , as any child does , and they talk about working together to complete the chores ,” she said .
Fourth is Ujamaa , which is group economics , in which they celebrate working together as a family to produce money and take care of children . “ The children earn money . They don ’ t have an allowance , they have to earn things for themselves ,” she said .
But the idea behind Ujamaa goes beyond the family . Freeman said they discuss Black entrepreneurship and how important it is for the community .
The fifth night discusses Nia , which is about purpose . What is one ’ s meaning in life ? “ For instance , when I was growing up my parents gave us a family motto , and it was ‘ Each one reach one .’
We were responsible for other people , not only ourselves ,” she said .
“ In many African countries there is a collective perspective that is called Umbutu , and that means that ‘ If we exist , therefore I exist .’ Instead of being an individualist for African Americans , the culture is all about the community and making sure that the community grows together as opposed to ‘ I do mine and you do yours .’”
The sixth night is Kuumba , or creativity . Freeman said her grandchildren often dance or play traditional African drums . “ My granddaughter took African dance lessons this summer ,” Freeman said , which may play a part in this year ’ s celebration .
The seventh and final night celebrates Imani , which is faith . “ For many African Americans , they believe that if they didn ’ t have faith , not only faith in God but faith in themselves ,
faith in their ability to uplift themselves – especially here in America , uplift themselves from slavery – they would not still exist .”
Freeman was quick to point out that “ faith ” in God may not mean the same for each person . “ Many people celebrate differently , because African Americans are not a monolith . You have Muslim African Americans , you have Jewish African Americans , Christian African Americans , and there are African Americans who don ’ t celebrate any religion but they include Kwanzaa because it is a cultural perspective .” Freeman said that the idea of celebrating Kwanzaa is picking up as the years go on .
“ It is strengthening , actually , because I think the pandemic gave us things to think about in a different way and it also because its so focused on community and family , I think it brings us closer .”
For 53 years , Cumberland Nursing and Rehab has been a provider of choice for Pulaski and surrounding counties in both short-term rehabilitation and long-term care . Dana Brown , Community Liaison , is available to discuss your specific rehabilitation needs and walk you through our admissions process . Make sure to check out our website and visit us on Facebook .
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CORNERSTONE REHA
Cumberland Nursing
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34 • SEKY - Life in Southeast Kentucky november 2022