HAPPY KWANZAA

Today is the First Day of Kwanzaa!!!

Kwanzaa was created to introduce and reinforce seven basic values of African culture which contribute to building and reinforcing family, community and culture among Arican American people as well as Africans throughout the world African community. These values are called the Nguzo Saba which in Swahili means the Seven Principles. Developed by Dr. Maulana Karenga, the Nguzo Saba stand at the heart of the origin and meaning of Kwanzaa, for it is these values which are not only the building blocks for community but also serve to reinforce and enhance them.

The first principle is Umoja which means Unity.

Today, I am going to celebrate and strive for unity in my community, specifically the African American GLBT community in Houston, Texas. Umoja is something that is very much needed in our community. We have one of the highest rates of HIV/AIDS in the U.S. and it is a problem for all of us. We need to come together and collectively fight this battle together. We need to treat our brothers and sisters with HIV/AIDS with the love and respect that they need and deserve. We need to prevent more of our brothers and sisters from becoming infective. So, today I pledge to aide in this unity and to strive towards more unity within our community.

I invite all of you to celebrate each day of Kwanzaa with me, by pledging to strive towards these principles and implementing them into your life.

HAPPY KWANZAA
BGM