Happy Kwanzaa
from The Blackyard CollectiveUMOJA (unity) KUJICHAGULIA (self-determination) UJIMA (collective work and responsibility) UJAMAA (cooperative economics) NIA (purpose) KUUMBA (creativity) IMANI (faith)
Hello Michael! Today is the third day of Kwanzaa, dedicated to the principle of UJIMA, or collective work and responsibility. For Black queer people in recovery, it can sometimes feel like we are fighting multiple battles and stigmas - racism, addiction, and queerphobia- that can be exhausting. Ujima reminds us that we are not alone. We learn that though our paths haven’t always been easy, we are breaking ground for those coming after us, just as our ancestors, known and unknown, broke ground for us. After years of I, we begin to learn the power of we. We are responsible for building our community and lifting each other. We begin to understand that the struggles Black queer folks face today connect us to legacies of resilience and collective care within the African Diaspora. The Blackyard Collective's purpose is to create a community for recovery and healing that allows us to embrace new ideas of family, friendship, and solidarity. Many of us had emotional walls around us that helped us cope and survive. We shared parts of ourselves and held others back for fear of rejection. We craved spaces and support systems where our whole selves were affirmed and celebrated, and we are now beginning to find them. Ujima invites us to extend these circles, recognizing that our collective well-being is intertwined. When we show up for one another in vulnerability and honesty, we embody the spirit of Ujima. In sharing our stories of addiction and recovery, we weave a tapestry of hope and solidarity that reminds us—and those who come after us—that healing is possible and sustainable when nurtured by a spirit of unity. As we light the candle for Ujima on this third day of Kwanzaa, let us take inspiration from Ujima to break down walls of shame and isolation and build bridges of connection. Together, we embrace the transformative power of accountability and mutual support. Together, we create fertile soil for our souls and hearts to grow and open ourselves up to Black Joy. “Healing begins where the wound was made. We are a people who have survived, and that survival is our proof that we can heal collectively and support each other emotionally.” — Alice Walker
Happy Kwanzaa! Love,
Delano
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