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Another year, huh?
At this point it’s pretty much common knowledge that adults break New Year resolutions about as quickly as children break Christmas toys.
So let’s try something different this time around; something more relevant let’s say.
Let’s not even bother with New Year resolutions. After all, even if we do keep them, and we don’t because we’ve somehow grown convinced that intention alone is a victory…even if we do keep them, they generally don’t really make us a whole heck of a lot better as individuals. And they certainly don’t do a damn thing for our collective condition.
So how about this: let’s pick one thing (a task, a commitment) one thing to accomplish with and for other Black people by next Kwanzaa. That is, let’s actually have a harvest to celebrate.
Too broad?
All right, how ‘bout some basic guidelines:
1) Speak positively about Black people.
We know some folks is trifling. We know some folks is downright whack! But if the only thing you can find to say about us is how we ain’t worth this or how we can’t to do that, chances are you the one with the problem. Keep talking bad and that’s exactly what you gonna get. Redirect that energy into making us better.
That leads to number two:
2) Be solution oriented.
Quit complaining! State that it’s whack once (twice if it’s particularly whack), then commit yourself to changing it. Broadcasting how such and such ain’t did this or that aint helping it get done no quicker. It’s unfortunate, but it’s true. If you truly about the liberation of African people, you gonna need to accept that you’ll most likely be doing more than your fair share.
Finally, and perhaps most importantly:
3) Love yourself and the rest of us.
Yo, we a sick people. We oppressed and suffering. We got all kinds of issues. Keep that in mind when working with others. Patience and understanding. Use these two words like a refrain, a woo-sah, if you will. Some folks count back from 10. We’ll say “patience and understanding.” Matter fact, throw in a “Mama Africa” for good measure.
i know it gets mad frustrating, but what greater work? And i ain’t tryna sit on no high horse. i struggle with these same issues myself. Baba Malcolm knows i struggle!
So with that, i dedicate this year to the development of righteous character. May my word and deed be twin, my feet remain grounded, and may the Ancestors guide my heart, mind, and hands.
It’s gonna be a powerful year, ya’ll. Let’s just make sure that power is working for us.
-brother amari
