1️⃣It’s NOT an “African” holiday. Kwanzaa is a tradition to celebrate family, community and culture.
2️⃣It’s only been around since 1966 and was started by Dr. Maulana Karenga (Ron Karenga) a Black dude.
3️⃣Celebrated Dec 26 – Jan 1, each day is honored by 1 of the 7 principals and sealed with the lighting of the candle for the day.
4️⃣There are 7 candles 1 Black (the people), 3 Red (the past blood shed), 3 Green (the abundance of future possibilities)
5️⃣NO you don’t have to exchange gifts for each day. The idea is to foster togetherness, support and gratitude. Not materialism or commercialism! Actually, gifts that are given are mostly hand made🤷🏾♀️
6️⃣The Kwanzaa greeting is Habari Gani (what’s the news in Swahili). The response should be the principle for the day. Today: Umoja.
7️⃣There’s no 1 way to set your Kwanzaa table. Be creative w/it but respect the Ancestors 🖤.
Unity isn’t necessarily about what you do together. It’s also what you do individually to bring us closer together. Learning about one another is a start.
The principles can be a lifestyle and practiced 24/7/365
In 2001, I received my BSW degree from Ramapo College of New Jersey with a double minor in Public Policy and African American Studies afterwards I entered the MSW program with Advanced Standing at Yeshiva University. In 2004, I received my Master's in Social Work degree and my PhD in Social Welfare in 2022 from Yeshiva University-Wurzweiler School of Social Work. The research study topic was "The Phenomenological Exploration of Academic Re-engagement for High School Completion" The qualitative method was used to examine students who leave high school before graduation and choose service-learning for high school completion.
Professionally, I have credentials as a School Social Worker, Supervision in Field Instruction (SIFI), Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Licensed Clinical Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LCADC), Master Addiction Counselor (MAC) and Approved Clinical Supervisor (ACS).
My practice experience has been in the areas of substance abuse with/without medication assistance, mental health, and education/special education. Currently, I am a Program Coordinator, Adjunct Professor, and Community Advocate, Activist, and Organizer, Founder/Executive Director of Balm In Gilead Community Services, Inc, a non-profit organization in the City of Newark, and Chief Executive Officer of Making Connections Professional Services LLC.
My professional goal is to formulate and implement policy to address the systemic issues related to racism, poverty, education, violence, and health care. Also, advocate and articulate the negative effect of those issues to decision-makers for providing a better understanding of the impact/outcome of those decisions upon individuals, families, and communities that are underserved, under-resourced, marginalized, and disenfranchised. I am a member of the finest organization, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.
#advocate #activist #organizer who talks about #love #wellness #antiviolence #wellbeing #socialwork #mentalhealth #education #health #antiracism #poverty
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