The 7 Days of Kwanzaa: Day 3 - Ujima (Collective Work & Responsibility)

Ujima, the third principle of Kwanzaa, emphasizes the expectation To build and maintain our community together and make our community’s problems our problems and to solve them together. Rooted in African philosophy, Ujima highlights the belief that individuals have a shared duty to collaborate in building and maintaining a strong, supportive community. This principle urges people to actively engage in addressing the challenges faced by the community, encouraging a sense of responsibility for the well-being and progress of all its members.

The oppressive systems of colonization and enslavement systematically dismantled and weakened Black communities by separating families and creating a sense of codependency and inability to care for oneself. This deliberate destruction aimed to erode the collective identity, culture, and support systems of Black people.

Ujima encourages commitment to collaborative efforts, fostering an environment where everyone actively contributes to problem-solving and community development. It embodies the idea that shared responsibility leads to collective empowerment, strengthening bonds and creating a resilient foundation for a unified and thriving community.

To start the journey of collective work in your community, you may engage in some of the following activites:

-       Organize or participate in events that bring the community together

-       Consciously choose to support local Black-owned businesses.

-       Engage in mentorship initiatives, offering guidance and support to individuals in the community, especially younger generations.

-       Establish networks or teams within the community to respond to crises, offering support to those facing challenges, be it health-related, economic, or otherwise.

-       Establish systems for sharing resources, whether it's information, skills, or tangible items, to uplift the entire community.

-       Collaborate on initiatives that address systemic issues affecting the community, advocating for positive change collectively.

-       Work together to preserve and celebrate cultural traditions, ensuring that they are passed down to future generations.

We are ultimately responsible for shedding beliefs and principles that are rooted in capitalism and colonialism and adapting a system of values that uplifts and empowers not only ourselves, but the collective community and race.