Self-Determined & Making A Difference

This week we celebrated Juneteenth as individuals, as family and as community. At some time during every celebration, we were reminded of Kujichagulia (Self-Determination): To define ourselves, name ourselves, create for ourselves, and speak for ourselves. It is important that we live this and impart it to our children. 

On Saturday, the Kent Black Action Commission (KBAC) was present and on purpose with their 8th Annual “Linda Sweezer Memorial Juneteenth Festival and Celebration”. They reminded us that they exist because of a need to let the city know that the Black/African American Community has been here and is remaining here. This is our community and we are determined to be acknowledged. We are a force within our community and insist on participating in the decisions that affect us.

There have been so many who have sacrificed for our Black/African American Community, and we must continue to move forward for those who will follow behind us. We have our work cut out for us, but it is our individual and combined responsibility to make sure it is we who define ourselves, and that it is we who name ourselves, and that it is we who create for ourselves, and finally, that it is we who speak for ourselves.

Kujichagulia! Kujichagulia! Kujichagulia!