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Black Red Roots in Community |
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Wednesday, 06 September 2006 |
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BLACK RED ROOTS IN COMMUNITY
There is an African American celebration that strives to focus on seven principles of nation building. It is called the “Nguzo Saba”. These principles are an opportunity to reflect and plan for a commitment to build a community that improves the quality of life for not only African Americans but also Native Americans.
The Seven Principles of Nation Building or Nguzo Saba provide a model for what is to be accomplished by the joining of the “Black Red Roots Community”. It is the building of a Nation on principles that are very characteristic of both the African and the Indian. The principles demonstrate how both have survived throughout history and how they can be strengthened for the future. In Nguzo Saba the principles include the following: UMOJA – UNITY KUJICHAGULIA – SELF-DERTIMINATION UJIMA - COLLECTIVE WORK AND RESPONSIBILITY UJAMAA – COOPERATIVE ECONOMICS NIA – PURPOSE KUUMBA – CREATIVITY IMANI – FAITH
During the celebration of Nguzo Saba candles are lit for each one of the seven principles. The symbolic colors of the candles are three RED candles, one BLACK candle, and three GREEN candles. The red candles symbolize the blood of ancestors, the black candle symbolizes the faces of the people, and the green candles symbolize the land, the youth, and new ideas. These candles are symbolic of the Black Red Roots Community’s purpose. It is the joining together of African Americans (Black) with the Native Americans (Red) heritages to nourish the roots (Green) of their common ancestries and inform the youth of their rich legacies to increase knowledge and new ideas for common unity. Article by CherokeeCloud Written September 6, 2006 |
