Kwanzaa Day 3: Collective Work & Responsibility

"Ujima" means Collective Work and Responsibility

DELMARVA – Habari Gani? What’s the News?

Ujima

Today is Day 3 of Kwanzaa, and the principle is Ujima. This is Swahili for Collective Work and Responsibility. Ujima, means to build and maintain our community together and make our brother’s and sister’s problems our problems and to solve them together.

It focuses on the collective responsibility for both achievements and setbacks in the community. This principle reminds celebrants that building each other up is the best way to truly solve problems. The first green candle is lit to symbolize the third day.

Collective Work & Responsibility

Whether it’s businesses like Perry and Gates and their barbers like Richard Dickerson, giving out free haircuts before school, “Some kids can barely afford a haircut, so giving them a free haircut, it’s a blessing…”

Non- profit organizations like Shepherd Place providing food and resources to those in need, according to volunteer La’Reka Marshall. “If you lose your home, because you lost your job, lord forbid, your husband dies, or your boyfriend dies, and they were the main source of income, and now you have nowhere to go, and you hit rock bottom you need shelters like this to be able to help people.”

Or residents like Keonte Bratten Sr. donating their hard-earned dollar to host a block party that feeds the entire community.  “I’m going to do everything I can to keep hope alive over here… I was born and raised here. The West Side, I love this side of town. I love the whole city of Salisbury, But I live and breathe this west side, so anything I can do for this West side, I’m all for it.”

Wicomico County NAACP 

Wicomico County NAACP President Monica Brooks says, Collective Work and Responsibility are very prominent on the Shore and more people should join in. “If we took the time to look at our neighbors, and see what they’re doing, dealing with, whatever they’re going through. And say, ‘What can I do to help?’ If everybody did that, how would this world be? Right? It’s taking that opportunity to just take a piece of the puzzle and taking ownership of that and saying I want to help- and I want this world to be better.”

Giving Back

Those who celebrate Kwanzaa take time out on this day to find a way to give back to the community. Whether it’s feeding the homeless, tutoring the youth, or encouraging excellence,
it is our responsibility to maintain our community. President Brooks says there are many ways to help Wicomico County, if you would like more information to follow them on Facebook at Wicomico County NAACP Branch 7028 or give them a call at 443- 415-5642.

Be sure to finds ways to give back your community today, and throughout the year. Have a Joyous Kwanzaa. Harambee!