The fourth day of Kwanzaa is dedicated to celebrating the fourth principle. On this day, you’ll focus on more external applications of what you’ve learned so far during the festivities.
Day 4 of Kwanzaa: Ujamaa
The principle of Ujamaa focuses on the benefits of cooperative economics. Those who practice Ujamaa often pledge “to build and maintain our own stores, shops, and other businesses and to profit from them together.” According to the founder of Kwanzaa, the fourth principle deals with “shared wealth and work”, “a commitment to the practice of shared social wealth and the work necessary to achieve it” and “a sharing of wealth and work in the manner of a family.”
For practical purposes, that translates to finding ways to build and support Black businesses in the community. While you may start your own business, it’s also common to find other businesses to support. In the pursuit of building wealth, you may participate in a neighborhood partner plan that’s aimed at helping each other accomplish their financial goals.
If you look even closer at Dr. Karenga’s vision of Ujamaa, you’ll find even more ways to apply it to your life. He proposes the practice of economic self-reliance as well as the obligation to help those who are poor and vulnerable. That means you should never leave anyone behind. Inevitably, some people will accomplish their goals before others but that’s not where the principle of Ujamaa ends.
When you’ve achieved what you set out to, it’s important to extend a hand to those in your community who need it. Though charitable foundations are always appreciated, that’s not the only option.
You may also establish or support organizations that give those in need the necessary skills to change their financial situations. If doing this on a large scale seems intimidating, you can also pay for the educational costs of a child in your community.
Day 4 of Kwanzaa is celebrated on December 29th.
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How To Celebrate Ujamaa
As with the previous days, the leader starts the celebration by asking, “Habari gani?” or “What’s happening?” of those who are in attendance. Given that it’s the fourth day of the festivities, you would reply with Ujamaa to indicate that you’re celebrating the principle of cooperative economics.
After the prayer, the older adults will prepare the libations as well as the unity cup or cups. Someone is then given the responsibility to