"CommUNITY MATTERS"

By Dr. Gloria Latimore-Peace

Presented by Omni-University

"Umoja is the message

Got to get the message

The message to my Brothers and Sisters..."

The "Seven Principles" Album was composed, arranged, and performed  by Kwame Steve Cobb and his wife, Chavunduka,et al. "Umoja", a Swahili word for "unity", is the first Principle of the "Nguzo Saba", the "Black Value System" conceptualized by Dr. Maulana Ron Karenga, founder of "Kwanzaa". The 7 Principles of the "Nguzo Saba" are: Unity, Self Determination, Collective Work and Responsibility, Cooperative Economics, Purpose, Creativity, and Faith.

Although these  'Seven Principles" are observed in relationship to"Kwanzaa" which is celebrated by African-Americans, from December 26th through January 1st, their adoption into our daily lives is essential for many reasons. Principles matter for the same reason that "Unity" matters. Just as  there can be no community without principles, i.e., values,  there can be no community without unity.

"Community Matters: Who Cares?", An episode of "The H30 Art of Life Show", featuring performing artists, film makers, culture keepers etc., etc., Masequa Meyers and Pemon Rami, follows.