Kwanzaa Day 5: Purpose

"Nia" means Purpose

MARYLAND – Habari Gani? What’s the News?

Nia

It’s Day 5 of Kwanzaa. Today’s principle? Nia, which is Swahili for Purpose. Nia means To make our collective vocation the building and developing of our community in order to restore our people to their traditional greatness.

Nia can refer to being proactive in setting your own personal goals, but it also encourages you to think outward and look at goals that can benefit the larger community. It can mean purpose for your own future, the financial purpose of your family, or the collective purpose of your economic community. On this day the fifth candle is lit, which is the second green one.

Author/Historian

Dr. Clara L. Small is a historian, professor emerita, and well-known author along the Eastern Shore. She has taken the time to document Maryland’s history and aims to educate to future generations. Dr. Small says if one doesn’t know about the contributions one’s people have made, they may never aspire to be something greater.

“African American History is rich. It’s a part of American History. And this area is one of the richest areas in terms of history period. And it is a shared history… If you deny or don’t write about it or don’t talk about it those individuals who made those contributions, one they die, it’s an encyclopedia gone.”

Sankofa- “To go Back” 

Many take this day to learn about their roots, ancestry, and heritage. Some read books, watch movies or documentaries, visit museums, or even talk with their local elders. If you would like consultations, or interested in a presentation about African American history along the shore, you can contact Dr. Clara Small via email for more information.

Take the time to discover your Purpose today. Have a Joyous Kwanzaa. Harambee!