Muncie Times, Muncie, Delaware County, 2 December 2010 — Page 23

The Muncie Times • December 2, 2010 • Page 23

Clarence Motley and Friends

Clarence Motley and Friends Excerpts from the book The Sounds of Kwanzaa: Poems of Celebration and Determination By Minister Judy Mays Principle #7 Umoja - Ooh Mo Jah (Unity) Can’t you see? That greatness comes through unity! In oneness is strength, let us each do our part To help our family and friends have a good start In the pursuit of life and liberty, we’ll reach our goals through unity Principle #2 Kujichagulia - Coo gee cha goo lea (Self- Determination) May be defined as the ultimate quest, to speak my mind and be my best It’s all good, because we’re all unique, If I’m strong doesn’t mean you’ll be weak SELF DETERMINATION ... What does it really mean? I will be HEARD and I will be SEEN Principle #3 Ujima - Ooh gee mah (Creative Work and Responsibility The village holds within its borders many hopes and dreams, The possibilities are limit-

less to what may be achieved No one is an island, our destiny is intertwined As we work together, one day at a time In love and respect, honor and truth Instilling values that will bear a life of a righteous fruit Each one, teach one - All for one is the sum Collectively working indeed our legacy Working all together is our responsibility Principle #4 Ujaama - Ooh jah mah (Cooperative Economics) Enhancing our own neighborhoods Supporting each other’s dreams Taking the time to share the wealth Instead of plotting schemes COOPERATIVE ECONOMICS - time, talent and treasure The yardstick by which we will measure The means to build for the future, our link with history past Great profit in this vision - great wealth to be amassed Principle #5 Nia Knee ah (Purpose) A time to redeem - We plan our work and work our plan to realize our dreams

Nia- Purpose - take a look at someone else’s need I am willing to do whatever it takes to help your plan succeed Educating, loving, nurturing, blessing , praying and sustaining Listening and directing; guiding and providing - sharing and caring Step by step - hand in hand , we’ve got a purpose Now let’s work a plan! Principle #6 Kuumba (Creativity) Imparting some inherent gift and spreading it all around Reverently touching beauty, wherever it may be found Seeing not a cup half empty, but a cup almost filled Keeping the dream alive and making the vision real. Principle #7 Imani EE Mah Knee (Faith) Faith of our fathers, faith in hope unseen Heeding the wisdom of parents and those in authority Our leaders and teachers, all those who have paved the way Those who despite dark and lonely nights gave us a better day Faith requires integrity and strength diligently moving toward the future From a past that’s been well spent Faith will not grumble, nei-

Clarence Motley

ther will it complain But gladly shout the victory and steadfastly in faith remain! KWANZAA - More than music to my ear, its remembering to honor those we hold dear KWANZAA - like the drum beat of an ancestral call KWANZAA - means “first fruits”... a harvest for us all The Celebration Day 1 - Unity Greeting - Habari Gani? Which means what’s the news Response - Umoja, asante. Habari Gani? Which means unity thank you. Whaf s new with you?