The Obama Kwanzaa Series Day 2 of 7 2009

How does the historic 2009 Obama year stack up against the second principle of Kwanzaa? Is there evidence that he lives the principle or not. Is he closer to the principle, then say, Tiger Woods?







Call: Habari Gani
Response: __________________

I gave the call yesterday morning in my household and they expect it now, but I still got them off guard. Today everyone is not here but we are making progress. If you did not know, the response it is Kujichagulia (Self Determination).

The Second Principle of Kwanzaa

Kujichagulia (Self Determination)

To define ourselves, name ourselves, create for ourselves and speak for ourselves instead of being defined, named, created for and spoken for by others.

It should be noted that a basic knowledge of Kwanzaa by a continental African, or a Diaspora African is an improvement in Cultural Literacy and an act of self definition, naturally with the practice of Kwanzaa this becomes even more true. The very act of reconstructing and restoring the traditional values, interests and principle of the African first fruits celebrations in the minds of Black people is a self defining act of Cultural Health on the part of Karenga and his people.

Cultural Literacy Minute: Reducing Cultural Poisoning and Raising Cultural Literacy = Cultural Health. (Ch= -CP +CL)

As we compare Obama's first year as President to each of the 7 Kwanzaa principles, how does he compare on this one? When asked about his cultural self definition he responds clearly, I am an African American . He acknowledges the fact that he is multi-ethnic that is, he has an African Father and a European American mother. What is important from a Cultural Health point of view is that as a person who produces substantial amounts of melanin, he understands himself to be a Black person connected to the 2 billion plus other Black people on this planet.

Now let us look at the last two corner stones of this principle. Creating for ourselves and speaking for our selves. His election is a demonstration of the African American community speaking for itself at the 95% level. The President's 2009 health care fight for the National community is by default a fight for the AA community's health and well being too.

Now let us go back to the second corner stone, Name ourselves. Here is where the tires meet the road; Barack Obama was Barry during his early life. So Obama was Barry Obama for a time. As a young person he looked for himself and his cultural orientation, this is generally more difficult for multi-ethnic Americans. As his Cultural Health improved he restored his African name Barack and settled into the fact that this choice would not make it easier for him in America.

Look at the lead picture. One day after the historic 2008 election everyone who can speak English, and even some who can't, know at least one African name. This is Kujichagulia at its global Cultural Health best.

I conclude Barack Obama, in 2009, is living Kujichagulia. What are your conclusions?

P.S. the Behavior of Barack Obama would indicate to me that he is more in line with this principle of Kwanzaa then Tiger Woods. What say you?