The REAL Harambee
Alright people, on the last day of Kwanzaa I want to clear up something thats been bugging me. And that is the term.....Harambee. Harambee is a cultural expression that has unfortunately been drowned out by the Gorilla with the same name. Harambee is a Swahili word that means "lets all pull together". In fact, it is more than a word, its a Kenyan tradition of events meant to develop the community. Its literally the official motto of Kenya that was used to unite the nation after gaining its independence. Its on Kenya's coat of arms! During Kwanzaa, after we blow out the candles (or beforehand, depending on how you celebrate) we shout "Harambee!"- one harambee for each day. So by the last day we shout Harambee 7 times. As someone who celebrates Kwanzaa, Its important for me clear this up because something with such deep meaning has been replaced with, what is now, heavy duty meme material. Kwanzaa and black cultures hardly get the attention and proper representation they deserve in the first place. And now Harambee has been added to the mix. So when you all see all the "Dicks out for Harambee" memes, remember that this is a culture that is being misrepresented here...again. Harambee is more than the Gorilla, people. So much more. The seventh day of Kwanzaa is "Imani" which stands for faith. As we embark on the new year, have faith in yourself and TRY to have faith in your community. I know a lot of us have lost faith with the events of 2016. Be strong, as life moves on. Happy New Year. Happy Kwanzaa. Harambee.
