“The seven principles of Kwanzaa aren’t only significant for those of African descent, but they are equally important for everyone who is living in the US today. More than anyone else, these principles should be the foundation on which the organizations lay their core values– especially for their DEI goals and initiatives.”
The seven principles of Kwanzaa allow black people to honor themselves and their heritage. In a world where oppression and discrimination are common, Kwanzaa gives African Americans a chance to connect to their roots. But, I believe, these principles go way deeper than just celebrating the African heritage. They hold in themselves a complete rulebook of how we should live in a society and create a culture of belonging. Above everything else, these principles are what the corporations and organizations should adopt if they want to succeed in creating an inclusive & diverse culture for all their employees.
How can the principles of Kwanzaa help employers and why should it matter to them? Let me explain some to you in-depth:
UMOJA: UNITY IN & AMONG ALL EMPLOYEES!
Umoja or Unity is the first principle of Kwanzaa and the most important one. Without unity, no organization can succeed. For the companies today, it is important that there is unity and a sense of collective work and responsibility among the employers and all the employees. Notwithstanding the color, culture, heritage, gender, religion, etc. everyone should be united on one front and that is to have a diverse and inclusive organization.
For black people, unfortunately, there is no feeling of a community. There is no unity when it comes to their white counterparts helping them in their struggle. There is no unity when it comes to creating a sense of belonging and focusing on their wellbeing. Hence, employers should take note of this very significant principle that directs people to have unity above everything else.
KUJICHAGULIA: SELF-DETERMINATION FOR A JUST WORKPLACE
It isn’t a secret that black employees aren’t allowed to voice their opinions about workplace racism without facing a backlash. Just recently. Google fired an AI ethics researcher Timnit Gebru for emailing the company on their biased and ‘dehumanized’ behavior towards employees of color. When Google can do this, what else can we expect from other companies? This is how black people and other employees of color are treated. What they want to do and how they want to do it is not welcomed, no matter how creative or innovative. Their judgments, opinions, and feedback aren’t receptive in the workplace. Their accomplishments are frowned upon or downplayed. Taking inspiration from this principle of Kwanzaa, the employers should be self-determined to take any action against this unjust culture in their organization. They should let their black and other employees of color hold the same position and value in the company as their white counterparts.
For the black employees, they should be self-determined to speak freely and openly for and with their black peers to demand a just workplace. They should continue raising their voices to work for a company culture that is more welcoming of their unique identity and gives them equal opportunities. Stay determined and hustle the same way you have been hustling for decades.
UJIMA: COLLECTIVE WORK FOR A DEI CULTURE!
It is the collective work and responsibility of employers and employees to create belonging in an organization. Employers should foster a sense of community and belonging in their organization. They should build a just community and maintain it. They should solve the problems for their black employees and other employees of color while paving more opportunities for them.
Remember that one man can start the change but he or she cannot uphold it. It is the community that can work together to solve racism against black people. But you, as an employer, must drive that change.
KUUMBA – THE CREATIVE FREEDOM TO WORK!
Various stats and research have proved that black employees aren’t allowed to showcase their innovative and creative side. They aren’t allowed the creative liberty to take initiatives and lead them to fruition. As an employee, this principle of Kwanzaa should always be at the forefront for you. Why? This doesn’t only help your employee but helps you grow as a company as well. It is already proven that companies with diverse employees are more innovative and tend to report greater financial margins. This only happens when every employee in your company is given the freedom to work and bring unique ideas to the table. It happens when they are appreciated.
Kuumba is all about individual and collective creativity for growth. You will notice this change when you allow your black employees to share their ideas and work on them without throwing unnecessary obstacles and hurdles their way.
“The seven principles of Kwanzaa, when followed for what they represent, can lead companies to success. These principles should be followed by the corporate organizations as the mandates for creating a diverse, equitable, and inclusive organization.”