GUIDING PRINCIPLES
SEVEN PRINCIPLES OF KAWAIDA ( NGUZO SABA )
Kawaida which is an ongoing synthesis of the best of African thought and practice in constant exchange with the world. One of its central tenets is that culture is the fundamental source of a people's identity, purpose and direction. Thus, Kawaida is, in fact, a continuous dialogue with African culture, asking questions and seeking answers to central and enduring concerns of the African and human community.
UMOJA
UNITY
Strive for and maintain unity in the family, community, nation, and race.
KUJICHAGULIA
SELF-DETERMINATION
Define ourselves, name ourselves, create for ourselves, and speak for ourselves.
UJIMA
COLLECTIVE WORK AND RESPONSIBILITY
Build and maintain our community together and solve our problems together.
UJAMAA
COOPERATIVE ECONOMICS
Build and maintain our own stores, shops, and other businesses and to profit from them together.
IMANI
FAITH
Believe with all our heart in our people, our parents, our teachers, our leaders, and the righteousness and victory of our struggle.
NIA
PURPOSE
Make our collective vocation to building and developing of our community in order to restore our people to their traditional greatness.
KUUMBA
CREATIVITY
Do as much as we can, in the way we can, in order to leave our community more beautiful and beneficial than we inherited it.