The third day of Kwanzaa observes Ujima. Ujima, collective work and responsibility, means to build and
maintain our community together, and make our sisters’ and brothers’ problems
our problems, and to solve them together. (Source: The Official Kwanzaa Website) African traditions dictate that we are to not only take care of our own houses, but to also provide for others. Think of the phrase "It take a village to raise a child."
If you are an active part of your neighborhood, then you practice Ujima. Our family is fortunate to be part of an area that is very diverse and family oriented. Before our area school closed, it was the hub of the east side. When ever a family needed something, someone always came forward to take action. Whether it was food, clothing, help with bills or a place to go until Mom got home from work, Bingham Bulldogs always looked out for each other.
One of the best and most recent examples of Ujima occurred after super storm Sandy. Generosity poured in from all over the world to provide clothing, household goods and funds for those families who were affected. Americans, in turn, are quick to come to the assistance of foreign countries in need, whether its AIDS awareness in Africa, disaster relief in Haiti, and rescue efforts in Asia and beyond. The country still continues to rally around Newtown, CT and the families that were devastated by the violence that took place at Sandy Nook Elementary. We all continue to feel their loss.
This is the only world God gave us. It is our sacred duty to take of it and each other.
Your task for today: Do one or more things to take care of your community. Shovel the snow of an elderly neighbor, invite your kids' friends over to bake cookies, volunteer to feed the hungry, etc...no matter how big or small, leave your community better than how you found it.
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