Kwanzaa Day 2: Self- Determination

Kujichagulia means Self- Determination

SALISBURY, Md. – Habari Gani?  What’s the News?

Kujichagulia 

The second day of Kwanzaa is Kujichagulia, which is Swahili for Self- Determination. Kujichagulia, or Self-determination means to define ourselves, name ourselves, create for ourselves, and speak for ourselves.

The focus is building your identity as a person and a community, both historically and in the present day. This is done by asking the question, “Who am I?” and “Am I all that I ought to be?” On this day, the first red candle is lit, which is the one closest the black one.

Project Read

Project Read Coordinator for the Wicomico County Public Library Demyra Harvey- Morris helps individuals with literacy and obtaining GED’s. She says nothing makes someone more self-determined than picking up where they left off, and that education and economics go hand in hand.

“I work with adults 18 years or older, who are not currently enrolled in school. And the average person that comes in is usually between a second and 3rd grade reading level. There are about one million people in Maryland right now that can’t read about a third-grade reading.” Harvey goes on to say, “If everything was broken out evenly, if we only reached half of those people, that $500 billion back into our economy.”

Goals & Affirmations

Often times on this day, people will set goals for themselves that they plan to carry out through the New Year. Many make vision boards or write affirmations that align with the 7 principles and set goal they plan to accomplish. Harvey- Morris says if you would like more information on Project Read, you can email her directly and she’s always there to help.

Be sure to find a way to liberate yourself during Kujichagulia. Have a Joyous Kwanzaa. Harambee!