Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics): "to build and maintain our own stores, shops and other businesses and to profit from them together."
"Shop Black." This has been a constant theme for many in our community. The black dollar is a powerful thing. According to Britni Danielle of clutchmagonline.com, "African-Americans have $1.1 trillion (yes, TRILLION) in spending power. Politico.com estimated in 2013 that the spending power of us would be $1 trillion by 2015, but, "companies spend just 3% of their advertising budgets marketing to African American consumers" (Nielsen studies). We spend money on hair care products and services, clothing, health care products; we shop at smaller retail stores, read financial magazines, and watch television (clutchmagonlie.com). Imagine if we recycled some of those dollars in our community first before shopping elsewhere? Whether it's the area bookstore, bakery, grocery store, or restaurants, imagine the power we have to create greatness in our own community?
For the fourth day of Kwanzaa, let us remember: in unity, in self-determination, in collective work and responsibility, and in cooperative economics, we are stronger together. We can do great things together.
Reference:
Britni Danielle. (February 11, 2014). "African Americans have $1.1 Trillion in Buying Power, Are We Putting Our Money to Good Use?"
http://www.clutchmagonline.com/2014/02/african-americans-1-1-trillion-dollars-buying-power-putting-good-use/, accessed December 30, 2014.
(December 28: Ujima (collective work and responsibility): to build and maintain our community together and make our brother's and sister's problems our problems and to solve them together) - "I am my brother's/sister's keeper." "Each one, teach one."
(December 27: Kujichagulia (self-determination): to define ourselves, name ourselves, create for ourselves and speak for ourselves) - Let's come together and define who we are, what we answer to, and speak out against things that are against growing us as a people.
(December 26: Umoja (unity): to strive for and maintain unity in the family, community, nation and race) - We are a nation, a people strong and regal! Let us come together in love and purpose!
One love.
Power to (our) people.
Habari gani?
*NOTE* Principles definitions taken from The Official Kwanzaa Website,
http://www.officialkwanzaawebsite.org/index.shtml
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