Today is the fourth day of Kwanzaa, and despite the fact that millions of people across the globe celebrate the holiday, many folks don't fully understand it. Kwanzaa spans over seven days, each of which is dedicated to reflecting on a core value that will help foster healthy communities, families, and individuals in the upcoming year and beyond. The holiday is particularly appealing because it has no religious component and can be celebrated in addition to Hanukah, Christmas, New Year's Eve, or any other tradition. While many winter celebrations are a catalyst for gluttony and overspending, Kwanzaa's focus on seven important principles by which to live makes it easily appreciated by anyone, even those who don't identify as having African heritage.*
Today, December 29th, is the day on which those who celebrate Kwanzaa are meant to reflect on the Fourth Principle, Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics). In honor of our community members from the African diaspora, this is a perfect day for white folks to reflect on how we want to distribute any year-end donations we plan to give before ringing in the New Year. Our thoughtful decision about where to donate money is a critical part of our practice as allies striving for a more equitable and just world.
Today, December 29th, is the day on which those who celebrate Kwanzaa are meant to reflect on the Fourth Principle, Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics). In honor of our community members from the African diaspora, this is a perfect day for white folks to reflect on how we want to distribute any year-end donations we plan to give before ringing in the New Year. Our thoughtful decision about where to donate money is a critical part of our practice as allies striving for a more equitable and just world.
Economic justice is a critical component for real and lasting change in the racial dynamics of our country. Most folks are aware that black Americans have been systematically barred from achieving economic equality in this country in a multitude of ways, both overt and subtle (for folks new to these ideas, the 50-minute video Against All Odds: The Fight for a Black Middle Class is a great resource). Acknowledging the reality of our country's race-based wealth disparity includes accepting that no matter how hard our grandparents, parents, and ourselves have worked to get where we are now, upper and middle class white people are undeserving winners in a rigged economic system. The neighborhoods in which we reside, the jobs we occupy, and everything we possess is a result of playing a game with the deck stacked in our favor. Knowing this, we have a responsibility to level the playing field in order to restore trust, make reparations, and move forward in unity with our community members of color. Investing our money in social justice organizations led by black women is a great way to get started.
Why black women, in particular? After this month's historical Alabama Senate seat victory by Doug Jones, there was no denying that black women get it done. For anyone who hadn't been paying attention to the centuries-long line of black women blazing the trail of social change, it may have come as a surprise that they took hold of this last Senate seat election. News and social media exploded with thanks and praise for black women having "saved us" (i.e., white liberals). Many black women responded to these accolades by patiently explaining that a) they didn't do it for us, and b) actions speak louder than words.
Showing up by donating to organizations led by black women not only serves as an effort to begin restoring economic balance across races, but it offers the financial resources needed for their important work to be effective. If at any given time this year you've been appalled by the blatantly racist words and actions of the highest members of our government, you've been outraged by the surge in visibility of white supremacy, or you've supported actions against racial injustice such as athletes taking a knee, it's time to put your money where your mouth is and seriously invest in those who have a proven record of fighting this battle. This is not a donation, but an investment in our collective wellbeing.
Most people already have other causes to which they are drawn, and every one of them is worthy. My plea is that this year you add a social justice organization led by black women to the list of causes you already support with a donation of at least twenty-five dollars. Skip that sale item you don't need and just do it.
Last week Medium published the article 10+ Black Women-Led Organizations that Deserve Your End-of-Year Donations, saving us hours of research on where to donate (thank you, Medium!). They suggested several excellent choices, such as GirlTrek, an organization that empowers black women to engage in self-care, which not only affects their individual health but impacts the wellbeing of their families and communities, and therefore our world. Watch a 15 minute TED Talk by its founders if you need convincing about the value of investing in organizations like GirlTrek.
The Fourth Principle of Kwanzaa, Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics), "is based on the assumption of human equality, on the belief that it is wrong for one person to dominate or exploit another, and on the knowledge that every individual hopes to live in a society as a free person able to lead a decent life, in conditions of peace with his [/her] neighbor (Nyerere)." If we've learned anything this year, it's that we have a long road ahead of us in achieving decency, equality, and justice for all. This holiday season, invest in our shared future and demonstrate your support for those who have been, and continue to be, on the front lines of this battle. Show black women the money.
Happy Kwanzaa, and Happy New Year!
If you're short on time just take your pick from this quick list! The donate button can be found on each of these homepages:
Girl Trek
A Long Walk Home
#metoo Movement
Black Girls CODE
Black Youth Project 100
Feminist Press
Sistersong
*If you have concerns about cultural appropriation of Kwanzaa by people who are not of African descent, please learn more about how everyone can respectfully celebrate Kwanzaa by reading items 5 and 6 on the holiday founder's webpage.
**Choosing not to capitalize "white," "black," and "communities of color" is intentional. The debate about whether or not to do so is unsettled, leaving it up to the stylistic and philosophical choice of the author. I have left all quotes intact to maintain their author's preference about whether or not to capitalize these terms, but as a writer and activist I choose not to capitalize race descriptors.
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