TODAY, DECEMBER 30, WE OBSERVE NIA, THE FIFTH DAY OF KWANZAA.
The principle of Nia focuses on the building and developing of our community in order to restore our people to their traditional greatness. Nia reminds us to put ourselves on a path of purpose by setting goals for ourselves and our community.
LIGHT THE FIFTH CANDLE.
On the fifth day of Kwanzaa we light the candle representing the principle Nia, or purpose. It encourages us to look within to not only set personal goals, but also to choose goals that benefit our community.
HOW WE CAN PRACTICE NIA TODAY (AND EVERYDAY):
- Discuss great historical accomplishments by our ancestors with your family & friends
- Establish/contribute to a dialogue on restoring the Black family
- Deepen the questioning beyond: “What do you want to do when you grow up?”
- Ask yourself (and your children):
- What brings you joy? What makes your heart smile?
- What problems do you want to solve?
- What do you want to learn more about?
- If money wasn’t an issue, what would you do with your time?
- What does your ideal day look like?
- Ask yourself (and your children):
“Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you he strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world.”— Harriet Tubman
“If you have a purpose in which you can believe, there’s no end to the amount of things you can accomplish.” — Marian Anderson
Stayphre
