Shannel Roberts’ Post

Happy Kwanzaa! Today is a reminder to reflect on the power of UNITY, SELF-DETERMINATION, COLLECTIVE WORK, and PURPOSE. It’s about showing up—for ourselves, our families, and our communities in ways that truly matter. As we light the candles this week, let’s bring these principles to life: 1. Umoja – Building bridges, not walls. 2. Kujichagulia – Owning and declaring who we are. 3. Ujima – Rising together. 4. Ujamaa – Supporting and investing in each other. 5. Nia – Walking boldly in purpose. 6. Kuumba – Creating with intention. 7. Imani – Trusting that faith fuels the future. As we wrap up the year with purpose and step into the new one with unstoppable, positive energy, let’s keep lifting each other higher. Let’s celebrate our culture, embrace our roots, and build a future grounded in excellence and unity. #Kwanzaa #Unity #Faith #Purpose #CelebrateCulture #CommunityBuilding #BlackExcellence Image description/reference: "Habari Gani" is a Swahili phrase that translates to "What’s the news?" or "What’s happening?" During Kwanzaa, it’s a traditional greeting used to ask about the principle of the day. For example, on the first day of Kwanzaa, someone might ask, “Habari Gani?” and the response would be "Umoja" (Unity), the principle for that day. It's a way to reflect on and honor each of the seven principles (Nguzo Saba) throughout the celebration.

Happy Kwanzaa! Day 2: Kujichagulia (Self-Determination) 👏 On this second day of Kwanzaa, we honor Kujichagulia, the principle of Self-Determination, means to define ourselves, name ourselves, create for ourselves, and speak for ourselves. Kujichagulia teaches us to reject external labels and stereotypes, empowering us to create our own narrative. It’s about standing firm in our identity, making decisions that align with our values, and forging a future built on our terms. By taking control of our destiny, we inspire resilience, pride, and awareness within ourselves and our communities. Let us reflect on the strength of our ancestors, who fought for the freedom to define themselves. May we continue to build legacies grounded in pride, perseverance, and the courage to speak our truth. #Kwanzaa2024 #Kujichagulia #SelfDetermination #Empowerment #Pride #Identity #LegacyBuilding

Did you know that Kwanzaa celebrates seven guiding principles? They are: Unity, Self-Determination, Collective Work, Cooperative Economics, Purpose, Creativity and Faith! 🕯️🕯️🕯️ If you celebrate it, may your Kwanzaa be filled with joy, meaning, and the spirit of togetherness. ⭐ ❤️ #kwanzaacelebration #sevenprinciples #joyandunity

DECEMBER 27 - DAY 2 Today is the second day of Kwanzaa. Traditionally, you'd light the red candle closest to umoja (i.e., black candle). Kujichagulia is about being self-aware and having self-determination. We have to grow individually before we can grow the community. Ask yourself the following questions: 1. Who am I? 2. Am I really who I say I am? 3. Am I all that I ought to be? 4. How will I find the motivation to be better than I was? The hardest part of Kujichagulia is having the ability to answer these questions honestly, because we often begin to believe the lies we tell to other people. We believe our own excuses, justifications, minimizations, etc. This prevents our ability to truly define ourselves, name ourselves, create for ourselves, and speak for ourselves. Simply stated, we stand still, and it ultimately disrupts unity. #Kujichagulia #Kwanzaa365

Kwanzaa is grounded in the Nguzo Saba (n-GU-zo SAH-bah)—seven guiding principles that highlight the importance of unity, purpose, and community. These principles align deeply with the work we do and the values we strive to embody every day. - Umoja (Unity) Efforts that seek to maintain unity whether in the family, the community, or the nation. - Kujichagulia (Self-Determination) Defining and speaking for ourselves, rather than being defined by or spoken for, by others. - Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility) Working collectively to build-up the community and solve problems. - Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics) Supporting our businesses and entrepreneurial efforts so that our communities can thrive. - Nia (Purpose) Grounding our work and collective efforts in the purpose of restoring our traditional greatness. - Kuumba (Creativity) Generating beauty through creative and artistic endeavors that establishes mutual benefit to the community. - Imani (Faith) Having faith in the community power to be resilient even during the struggle for justice. “Habari Gani?” This phrase means “What’s the news?” and is used as a daily greeting during Kwanzaa. The response to this greeting is the principle of the day. This greeting helps to focus the celebration on the principle of the day and encourages reflection and discussion. We invite you to celebrate Kwanzaa with DiversiTrials over the next 7 days. Each day, remember to ask yourself “Habari Gani?” And reflect on the principle of the day. Love, DiversiTrials Mitchell Hilbe & Hadi Danawi, PhD, MPH د. هادي ضناوي #Kwanzaa #NguzoSaba #HabariGani #DiversityInResearch #HealthEquity https://lnkd.in/et_92Xj5.

Happy Kwanzaa! Curious about Kwanzaa and how to celebrate? Check out our guide on each of the seven principles to celebrate each day: Dec 26 - Umoja (Unity): To strive for and maintain unity in the family, community, nation, and race. Dec 27 - Kujichagulia (Self-Determination): To define ourselves, name ourselves, create for ourselves, and speak for ourselves. Dec 28 - Ujima (Collective Work & Responsibility): To build and maintain our community together and make our brother's and sister's problems our problems and to solve them together. Dec 29 - Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics): To build and maintain our own stores, shops, and other businesses and to profit from them together. Dec 30 - Nia (Purpose): To make our collective vocation the building and developing of our community in order to restore our people to their traditional greatness. Dec 31 - Kuumba (Creativity): To do always as much as we can, in the way we can, in order to leave our community more beautiful and beneficial than we inherited it. Jan 1 - Imani (Faith): To believe with all our heart in our people, our parents, our teachers, our leaders, and the righteousness and victory of our struggle.

Habari Gani!? NIA! Today, as we celebrate the fifth day of Kwanzaa, we reflect on Nia (Purpose)—a call to make our collective vocation the building and developing of our community to restore our people to their traditional greatness. Nia reminds us that we all have a role to play in strengthening our communities. Whether you’re raising a family, advancing in your career, pursuing education, or still on the journey to discovering your purpose, every step you take matters. As we close out 2024, I challenge myself—and invite you—to live with intention in the coming year. How can we align our personal goals with the collective good? How can we ensure our work, efforts, and passion help uplift others? Let us set our sights on 2025 with the resolve to live purposefully, strengthen connections, and contribute to something greater than ourselves. Together, we can honor the spirit of Nia by building, growing, and restoring our communities. What does Nia mean to you? How will you embrace your purpose in the year ahead? Let’s share and inspire one another. #Kwanzaa365

Unity and Uniformity are not the same thing. Get these words of wisdom. Let's observe the first principle of Kwanzaa - Umoja, which means Unity. #NguzoSaba #SevenPrinciples #Kwanzaa #Kwanzaa365 #StrongerFamilies #StrongerCommunities #KwanzaaIsSelfCare

Day 2 of Kwanzaa: Kujichagulia (Self-Determination) Kujichagulia means defining, naming, and creating for ourselves. For young people, it’s about embracing who they are, setting goals, and standing proud in their identity. 🌟 Today's Affirmation: "I can do it! I am capable" How will you practice self-determination today? #Kwanzaa #Kujichagulia #SelfDetermination #CulturalCelebration #YouCanDoIt #BeProud #YBSKids #YoungBlackandSuburbanKids #CulturalCelebration #EmpoweringYoungPeople #InspiringCommunities

Today marks the final day of Kwanzaa, dedicated to Imani, which means faith. This principle calls us to believe in our people, our values, and the righteousness of our struggles. It reminds us to trust in the potential for a brighter future and to have confidence in our collective ability to achieve greatness. As we close Kwanzaa and prepare for a new year, let us carry its seven principles—Umoja (unity), Kujichagulia (self-determination), Ujima (collective work and responsibility), Ujamaa (cooperative economics), Nia (purpose), Kuumba (creativity), and Imani (faith)—into our personal and professional lives. Here are three ways we can live these principles year-round: #1 Foster collaboration: Build unity in your teams and communities by embracing diverse perspectives and working toward shared goals. #2 Define your purpose: Set meaningful goals that align with your values and inspire those around you to strive for collective success. #3 Cultivate faith and resilience: Trust in your abilities and the strength of your network to overcome challenges and seize opportunities. As we enter 2025, let us continue to honor the legacy of Kwanzaa by building a world rooted in equity, creativity, and shared progress. #Kwanzaa #Imani #Faith #Leadership #Purpose #Collaboration #NewYearInspiration