Kwanzaa
I stand before you, simply a woman of flesh, blood, and bone
But on December 26th, I remember that I’m not alone
I reflect upon how unity has impacted my everyday
I think of how I can embrace my community in every way
No man is an island, but the truth of the matter is
We are the world, which makes your business his
And his business mine-we’re all intertwined
So I light a black candle to celebrate UMOJA
And on the next day I awake
I’m determined of myself to make
Something-someone of whom my ancestors would be proud
This, with a red candle and KUJICHAGULIA I vowed
Another 24 has passed and when asked “Habari gani?”
I answer UJIMA because we work together
Being responsible for our community makes it better
Who is to blame if we fall apart?
So I light a green candle with this meaning in my heart
And then I’ll take my money to Five Points or the West End
And think of black businesses when I want to make investments
It’s time for UJAMAA, cooperative economics
Because in this world, money is power- look at our politics
Another red burns bright
But it’s only the 4th night
So on the fifth, I find my purpose and share it with those I love
Because I know they’ll keep me strong when fulfilling it gets tough
Celebrating NIA, another green candle is lit
No longer will I be allowed to just sit
The next day I look at the gifts God has given me
To express my creativity
And then I create
It may be my first time, but it’s never too late
It is with KUUMBA that we are forced to evolve
So I light the last red and someone’s problem is solved
And saving the best for last, I am very proud to say
I honor my IMANI as I close my eyes and pray
“Dear Lord, I have faith that your will shall be done
The battle against evil will most definitely be won
You will bless us, your children, each and every one
So that we may return to our rightful place under the sun.
But on December 26th, I remember that I’m not alone
I reflect upon how unity has impacted my everyday
I think of how I can embrace my community in every way
No man is an island, but the truth of the matter is
We are the world, which makes your business his
And his business mine-we’re all intertwined
So I light a black candle to celebrate UMOJA
And on the next day I awake
I’m determined of myself to make
Something-someone of whom my ancestors would be proud
This, with a red candle and KUJICHAGULIA I vowed
Another 24 has passed and when asked “Habari gani?”
I answer UJIMA because we work together
Being responsible for our community makes it better
Who is to blame if we fall apart?
So I light a green candle with this meaning in my heart
And then I’ll take my money to Five Points or the West End
And think of black businesses when I want to make investments
It’s time for UJAMAA, cooperative economics
Because in this world, money is power- look at our politics
Another red burns bright
But it’s only the 4th night
So on the fifth, I find my purpose and share it with those I love
Because I know they’ll keep me strong when fulfilling it gets tough
Celebrating NIA, another green candle is lit
No longer will I be allowed to just sit
The next day I look at the gifts God has given me
To express my creativity
And then I create
It may be my first time, but it’s never too late
It is with KUUMBA that we are forced to evolve
So I light the last red and someone’s problem is solved
And saving the best for last, I am very proud to say
I honor my IMANI as I close my eyes and pray
“Dear Lord, I have faith that your will shall be done
The battle against evil will most definitely be won
You will bless us, your children, each and every one
So that we may return to our rightful place under the sun.
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