Garvey's Ghost: Black Talk

Ujima

Today the word is Ujima, collective work and responsibility. If any principle of Kwanzaa is more relevant for Black people, especially those in the United States it would be this one. The US is a highly independent society. Everyone wants freedom but very few want to take on the responsibility that comes with that freedom. The Black Commentator has an excellent article about a community that is working together to address the issue of nutrition in black communities. My mother used to tell me how she and her kin would feel shamed because they thought that the food they were eating, largely fresh vegetables, fruits and little meat, was poor people food. Now in America they find that the rich and educated eat these foods because they know that they are better for you than the fast food served up by McDonald's, Burger King and the like that dot the landscape of urban areas.

The main lesson here is that we must work together to address our needs. We also need to recognize that it is our responsibility to address our problems rather than complain about them or hope that other people will do for us.

Peace.

Links:
http://www.blackcommentator.com/70/70_food_justice.html