Kwanzaa Day 4: Cooperative Economics

"Ujamaa" means Cooperative Economics

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

Ujamaa

Ujamaa is day 4 of Kwanzaa, which is Swahili for Cooperative Economics. The principle Ujamaa means to build and maintain our own stores, shops, and other businesses and to profit from them together. This goes beyond the mass spending associated with the holiday season.

Ujamaa focuses on a concerted effort to pool resources, financial and otherwise, together to benefit Black communities and neighborhoods and essentially build a more communal sense of “profit.” The fourth candle is lit on this day, which is the second red one.

Together Cafe

Vicente Hernandez is the owner of Together Cafe, a restaurant inside of Tidal Health in Salisbury. Not too long ago, he received an award from the Wicomico County NAACP for the work he’s done in the community.

Hernandez says Cooperative Economics is why they are so successful. “It’s a lot of answered prayers, and a lot of hard work for sure. And I think there’s always room to grow… The cheat code on the eastern shore is perseverance. Like, people want to support you’ve got a good product, if you’ve got something that you really believe in, that you put your heart and passion in, just keep going forward, Maryland’s going to support.”

Black-Owned Business 

This day, whether you celebrate Kwanzaa or not, you are encouraged to support a local or national black- owned business, establishment, or entrepreneur. Hernadez encourages any and every one to stop on by, Together Cafe Monday through Friday 7:00 am to 7:00 pm and Saturdays from 8:00 am to 3:00pm, and if you want more information feel free to visit their website.

Be sure you find a black business in the area or online to support today. Have a Joyous Kwanzaa. Harambee!