Haiku/Affirmation — Umoja

Celebrating the first day and principle of Kwanzaa.

Haiku/Affirmation — Umoja

Umoja

The man I am does

not exist without love from

his tribe and village.

Copyright © 2021 by Bill Holmes.

All rights reserved.

Habari gani? Umoja. Today marks the beginning of Kwanzaa, a holiday that celebrates the collective cultural synthesis of both African and African American values. As I meditate upon the first principle of Umoja, I feel grateful and am appreciative for my loved ones’ care, support, encouragement, and guidance throughout my life’s journey from my family, which includes my biological relatives, my extended brothers and sisters, and my ancestors’ spirits watching over me. It’s important for me to reciprocate these same sentiments to them because we can accomplish great things together rather than alone and divided.

Today I give thanks for the love of family for they are the foundation of my existence, and I am the reflection of both the beauty and power of this majestic community.