Day 3 – KWANZAA AFTER DARK: THE real Work starts at Home

“Nothing can satisfy me like a hug or a kiss from my mother, my sister, my brother, or my father.” -Shila Iris

Ujima principle teaches each family member to recognize that their own well-being is derived from their family and community. Our lives are bound together.

I have learned that taking care of your family and fostering good and honest relationships with true friends, is one of the most revolutionary things you can do in this life. It takes hard work and lots of lovin.’ It takes humility to be there for your family, and it takes discipline and respect, not to cross lines with your friends. Before this year, I honestly had no idea what a real community felt like.

My community is my family, my community is my friends. When we are all strong, then we can change the world. I want to feed them first.

I’m an aunt…

Last night, I was talking to my best friend and all of a sudden, I was crying. I got off of the phone with him and lay in bed wondering, how will I survive this? The past few months of my life haven’t been easy. These are some extremely trying times. Great change takes work! Those who saw me through this, empowered me by doing real things like providing any type of support I needed, rather it be financial or just a listening ear; they’ve cooked healthy meals for me and smiled with me and basked in my glory. I have learned so much.

I lay in bed and after a few minutes, my friend called back and he said these very sweet words to me:

“You don’t have to do this alone. You never do. I will be here. I know how it feels. I will come and sit with you if you’d like. You should know that I love you and that is what I am here for. I can help.”

That is Collective Work & Responsibility. The real work starts at home.

Peace and love,

Shila Iris