Pride, awareness essence of speech
by Jonathan Berger, reporter

    Nguzo Saba was designed to bring about awareness in the African-American community and bring pride back to the people, the South Campus president told a group last week.

   As part of the campus’ Black History Month celebration, Dr. Ernest Thomas described the seven principles of Nguzo Saba, originally brought forth by Dr. Maulana Karenga, professor and chair of Black Studies at California State University.

   Karenga, Thomas said, designed Kwanzaa to celebrate family, community and culture.

   The seven principles include Umoja (unity), Kujichagulia (self-determination), Ujima (collective work and responsibility), Ujamaa (cooperative economics), Nia (purpose), Kuumba (creativity) and Imani (faith).

   Although the seven principles should be followed in order, Thomas said they should be viewed as circular.

   Karenga’s establishment of Kwanzaa and the seven principles, Thomas said, was an attempt to “develop a system of beliefs that would allow African-Americans to achieve greatness without imitating their oppressors.”

   Thomas explained the meaning of all seven principles and the correct pronunciation of each.

   He also discussed the importance of these principles to the community and African Americans in general.

   Talking about the second principle, Kujichagulia, Thomas described its impact on community members today.

   “We have a right to define ourselves; we have a right to speak for ourselves. When you define yourself, you go through a number of different changes,” he said.

   After explaining the seven principles of Nguzo Saba, Thomas showed African-American items used during the celebration of Kwanzaa, including ears of corn.

   “You have an ear of corn for each child and one extra for the unborn children.

   “Everything on the table should be natural, from the cloth that is spread on the table to the candle holders and candles,” he said.

   Kwanzaa serves a great purpose for the African-American community, Thomas said.

   “For us as a people, it is an absolute imperative that we recognize that there are significant separate realities,” he said.