Dear Editor,

I was introduced to Kwanzaa in 1981 when I went to California to pursue my master’s degree and have been celebrating yearly since.

Kwanzaa was started in 1966 by Maulana Karenga as an alternative to Christmas for African Americans. But Kwanzaa is not simply a holiday. It is a way of life, and I believe it is something all colonial societies need. I believe, very strongly, that Jamaicans need Kwanzaa.

Many of us do not want to confront the legacy of enslavement, indentureship, classism, and the psychological and economic impact of colonialism. But it is still with us. Hurricane Melissa revealed that clearly. We saw devastation, yes, but more importantly we saw how neglected rural Jamaica is and how people are living in abject poverty. That reality should trouble every Government since Independence.

But the real reason I celebrate Kwanzaa is for its principles. Kwanzaa is celebrated over seven days, from December 26 to January 1, guided by the Nguzo Saba, the seven principles. These principles are not meant to be applicable for one week; they are meant to guide our lives.

The first principle is umoja, unity. At this moment Jamaicans need unity as a people. Without it we will never realise Jamaica’s tremendous potential. Unity is foundational.

The second principle, kujichagulia, which means self-determination, is perhaps the most critical for us. Though we are independent, we are still following a colonial agenda. Self-determination means we stop reacting against colonialism and begin acting in response to who we are. One of Kwanzaa’s goals is reconnecting people with their indigenous culture. When people ask if I am from Africa because of how I dress, I laugh, because we are all from Africa. The resistance to that truth comes from the demonisation of Africa and African religions. That is exactly why self-determination matters.

The third principle, ujima, which means collective work and responsibility, calls us to take responsibility for our communities.

The fourth principle, ujamaa, which means cooperative economics, asks hard questions. What do we own? What are we building together? With most of our hotels foreign-owned, the only way forward is collective economic action.

The fifth principle is nia, purpose, followed by kuumba, creativity. Jamaica is overflowing with creativity in our music, language, movement, and survival. If we valued, studied, and elevated that creativity, we could transform it into sustainable opportunity, with purpose as the engine.

The final principle is imani, faith — faith in our people and the righteousness of our struggle.

The Nguzo Saba is not just a celebration, it is a blueprint for living. Independence does not mean self-determination if we are still following a colonial path.

Happy Kwanzaa!

Professor Opal Palmer Adisa

Culture and gender activist

adisaconsultingja@gmail.com