Kujichagulia: Self-determination

Kujichagulia is the Swahili word for self-determination. It means defining, naming, creating and speaking for oneself. Kujichagulia is the second principle of the seven principles of Kwanzaa. Created in 1966 by Maulana Karenga, a Black nationalist and professor of Pan-African Studies at California State University at Long Beach, Kwanzaa is a seven-day, non-religious holiday observed in the United States from December 26-January 1 to honor African Americans’ ancestral roots.

In December of 1993, during my tenure at Spelman College, Billie Sue Schulze “BSS”, Spelman’s former Vice President of Institutional Advancement & Alumnae Affairs presented holiday gifts to each member of her staff. BSS gave me a beautifully designed Kujichagulia trinket. A lovely holiday gift with such a significant, powerful meaning caused me to think more seriously and carefully about self-determination – who I was as a Black woman at that time, and who I was in the process of becoming. With strong faith, hope, courage, a sense of purpose, and outstanding, inspiring positive role models, I learned that I was on the right track, indeed, blessed abundantly.

Around that time, I also found a card designed by the iconic artist and Spelman alumna Varnette Honeywood. For me, the card also captured the essence of kujichagulia. We are here to explore and experience an ongoing journey of self-discovery, self-determination. Thank you, Billie Sue Schulze! Thank you, Varnette Honeywood!

May the peace which passes all understanding be with you always, guiding you on your journey as you seek higher heights of self-determination.