In a special holiday episode of Lean In, Commissioner Henri E. Brooks takes a moment to step back from the daily grind of the County Commission to celebrate the third day of Kwanzaa. For Commissioner Brooks, Kwanzaa is more than a seasonal observation; it is a blueprint for the economic, educational, and cultural advancement of the Black community.

More Than a Celebration: A Cultural Framework

Kwanzaa, a Swahili word meaning “first fruits,” was established as a non-religious cultural holiday to celebrate African heritage and values. While the holiday is officially observed from December 26th to January 1st, Commissioner Brooks challenges her listeners to consider a provocative question: What if we practiced these principles every day of the year?

“Think about how far we would be economically and how progressive we would be educationally if we lived by these values year-round,” Brooks says.

The Seven Principles (Nguzo Saba)

Commissioner Brooks walked through the seven core principles of Kwanzaa, emphasizing their practical applications for today’s challenges: Umoja (Unity): Striving for unity in the family, community, and nation.

1. Kujichagulia (Self-Determination): Defining, naming, and speaking for ourselves.
2. Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility): The focus of the third day. Brooks highlights the importance of anti-individualism—making our neighbors’ problems our own and solving them together.
3. Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics): Building and maintaining our own stores and businesses to profit from them collectively. “This would be a game-changer,” Brooks notes. “The dollar would turn around more times in our community.”
4. Nia (Purpose): Restoring the community to its traditional greatness.
5. Kuumba (Creativity): Leaving the community more beautiful and beneficial than we inherited it.
6. Imani (Faith): Believing in our people, our parents, our leaders, and the righteousness of the struggle.

Uplifting the Next Generation

Brooks describes the beauty of the Kwanzaa program, from lighting the candles of the Kinara to the recitation of the African Pledge. A highlight of many celebrations is the crowning of a Kwanzaa King and Queen—individuals who have lived out these principles in their daily lives. These rituals, Brooks argues, are essential tools for youth empowerment, helping the next generation understand their role in the community’s future.

The Pivot: Principles into Politics

As she does in every episode, Commissioner Brooks reminds her audience that cultural consciousness must translate into civic action. She links the principle of Ujima (Collective Responsibility) directly to the upcoming election season.

With voter registration deadlines in April and candidates already pulling petitions, Brooks urges voters to apply the Kwanzaa principles to their ballots. “Let’s make sure we get to know these people running for office,” she insists. “Do they have a plan to implement solutions for our survival issues? Whether it’s healthcare, wages, or the environment, your vote is your voice.”