OSA Newsletter Fall 2009

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HA RA M B E

E V I S I O N

Fall 09


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OSA Presidents Message 1

Meet the 09-10 OSA Exec. Committee 2-4Advisors Page 5

Upcoming Events & Important Dates 6

Important Student Information 7

Announcements 8

Scholarships 9

Communication Information 10

Contact OSA 10

Sankofa Mentorship Project 10

N.A.B.S.W. 11

Steering Committee Meetings in Pictures 12

African Terms & Definitions 13

NABSW National Officers 13

Contact the National Office 13

MISSION

The National Association of Black Social Workers, Inc., comprised of people of African ancestry, is commit-ted to enhancing the quality of lifeand empowering people of Africanancestry through advocacy, humanservices delivery, and research.

The National Association of Black Social Workers, Inc. will work to cre-ate a world in which people of Afri-can ancestry will live free from racial

domination, economic exploitationand cultural oppression. In collabo-ration with national, internationaland other appropriate groups, NABSW will continue to leverageits collective expertise to strategicallydevelop capacity of people of Afri-can ancestry to sustain and flourish. NABSWs vision is guided by the

Principles of the Nguzo Saba, whichare Unity, Self-determination, Collec-tive Work and Responsibility, Coop-erative Economics, Purpose, Creativ-ity, and Faith, and the Seven CardinalVirtues of Maat, which are Right,Truth, Justice, Order, Reciprocity, Balance, and Harmony .2009-2010 OSA Officers:

President Quanastacia McMillan- University of Houston

1st Vice President Melanie Bryant- Widener University

2nd Vice President Stacie Winn- Norfolk State University

Secretary Jaclene Ashford- Widener University

Treasurer Tierra Collins- Virginia Commonwealth University

Parliamentarian Shenicka Jones- The Ohio State University

Advisor Traci Lewis The Ohio State University


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NABSW OSA Newsletter Page 1

Hotep Student Members and Student Chapter Advisors of NABSW. It is withgreat honor and humility that I greet you as your 2009-2010 Office of StudentAffairs President. I truly had a wonderful time serving you as 1 st Vice President last year, and I am thrilled that you entrusted me to continue representingyour voice on the National Executive Committee of the National Associationof Black Social Workers.

I am extremely optimistic about what lies ahead for us this year. We have embarked on a historic time in our nation and the world, so I challenge you to an-

swer the trumpet call of service. The OSA theme for this year is Continuing the Legacy: Preparing the Next Generation of Leaders through the Spirit of Harambee. The overall vision is to educate the student membersof NABSW about the organizations mission, history, and principles with hopes the shared knowledge willincrease student membership, retention, and participation in the organization through out their educational journey and post matriculation. The 2009-2010 OSA administration is dedicated and committed to servingthe students as it has been done by our predecessors.

OSA will continue to support NABSW initiatives charged by our National President, and I encourage studentchapters to make efforts in achieving the goals set forth by those initiatives. This year we have been chargedto help our 1 st Lady Michelle Obama combat childhood obesity and assist the US Census Bureau with the2010 Census.

Again, I thank you for rewarding me the opportunity to serve as your President of the Office of Student Af-fairs for 2009-2010. Please continue communicating and sharing your ideas with us through Facebook andat www.nabswstudentaffairs.blogspot.com . Let us all pull together in the spirit and joy of Harambee!

Peace and Blessings,

Quanastacia McMillan

I AM because WE are. Because WE are; therefore I AM


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President Quanastacia McMillan

Special Projects & Student Handbook Committees

[email protected]

Quanastacia is currently pursuing her MSW under the Leadership, Administrations, and Advocacy track at the Uni-versity of Houston Graduate College of Social Work (UH-GSCW). She is a part of the Advance Standing Program

and Child Welfare Education Program at UH-GCSW. She graduated cum laude from Texas Southern University (TSU) with aBachelors of Arts in Social Work in May 2008. She is also a Licensed Baccalaureate Social Worker with the State of Texas.

Quanastacia became a member of NABSW in 2007, and was elected to serve as President of the Texas Southern UniversityStudent Chapter for the 2007-2008 academic year. She was presented the TSU Department of Social Work Outstanding Senior Stu-dent Award at the 2008 Houston Social Work Awards Breakfast. She was also chosen by TSU to be represented in the 2008 editionof Whos Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges. Quanastacia is also a member of Phi Alpha National SocialWork Honor Society and NASW-TX.

Quanastacia currently serves as President for the Office of Student Affairs, where she chairs the Special Projects and Hand-book Committees. She was honored to serve on the 2008-2009 OSA Executive Board as 1 st Vice Presidents, and is committed tocontinuing to serving and being and advocate for the student members of NABSW.

Quanastacia has a passion for working with children, and desires to make a positive impact on todays youth. She believesthat children hold the key to our future, and it is up to their elders to give them the tools needed for success. Quanastacia is inspiredby Gandhis quote, Become the change you want to see in the world.

In her leisure, Quanastacia enjoys organizing social functions, spending time with family and friends, dancing, listening tomusic, shopping, and traveling.

1 st Vice President-Melanie Bryant

National Conference & Community Service Committee

[email protected]

Melanie graduated from Widener University in May 2009, with her Masters in Social Work. She is currently pur-suing the degree of Ph.D. in Social Work at Widener. Melanie is the current president of the Widener University

National Association of Black Social workers, where she works diligently to increase awareness and understanding of the needs af-fecting Black people in the community and at the university.

Melanie is also a member of the American Society on Aging, and was the recipient of the Hartford Partnership Program forAging Education (HPPAE) fellowship. She was also the recipient of the Widener University Center for Social Work leadershipaward for her service to uphold the mission of the Center for Social Work. In addition, Melanie is a member of Phi Alpha, the Na-tional Honor Society for Social Work.

Melanie is a dedicated member of her church where she actively sings on the choir and is the praise dance leader. She isguided by her faith and in His service, she believes In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths. Proverbs 3:6.

Melanie currently serves as the 1st Vice President for the Office of Student Affairs, where she chairs the Conference andCommunity Service Committees. In her service to the NABSW, and in her continual quest for knowledge, she reflects on this Afri-can proverb, I am because we are, and because we are I am.


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2nd Vice President Stacie Winn

Membership & Transition Committees

[email protected]

Stacie Winn is a native of Hampton and Newport News, Virginia. She is the middle child of three andthe eldest of a twin (sister). Stacie has recently graduated from Virginia Commonwealth University(VCU), in Richmond, Virginia with a Bachelor degree in Social Work. While attending VCU, Stacie has been a

member of the VCU Chapter of The Association of Black Social Workers for three years and has served as the 2 nd Vice Presidentfrom 2007 to 2008 and the Vice President from 2008 to 2009. In the spring of 2009, Stacie was selected to receive The Black His-tory in the Making Award from the VCU School of Social Work on behalf of the University. Stacie is also a member of the PhiAlpha National Social Work Honor Society.

Stacie will be continuing her education in the fall of 2009 at Norfolk State University in Norfolk, Virginia to pursue herMSW. When it comes to social work, Stacies passion is homelessness and housing disparities. Stacie believes that everyone, youngand old alike should have a loving, well-built and acceptable place of residence. Stacie is also passionate about children who are dis-placed out of their biological homes due to foster care and other systems.

Stacie currently serves as the 2 nd Vice President of the Office of Student Affairs (OSA) where she serves on the Member-ship and Transition Committees. Stacie is eager to serve the 2009-2010 OSA Executive Board and is ready to help bridge the gapbetween student chapters and local chapters and aid in recruiting and retaining student membership.

In her spare time, Stacie enjoys spending time with close friends and family, going to church having a good laugh and eat-

ing good food.

Secretary-Jaclene Ashford

Newsletter & Website Committee

[email protected]

Jaclene Ashford is pursuing her Home and School Certification from Widener Universitys School of

Social Work and School of Education. She hopes to use this certification to become a social worker in the Phila-delphia School District. In May of 2009, Jaclene received her Masters in Social Work from Widener University. She earned herBachelors of Science degree in Psychology from Ursinus College in May of 2005.

Jaclene became a member of NABSW in 2008. She served as Secretary in the Widener University student chapter. She wasalso a member of Phi Alpha, the national honors society for social work. Jaclene was recognized by Widener University by receiv-ing a service award in May for her excellence in academics and leadership.

Jaclene currently serves as National Secretary for the Office of Student Affairs, where she also chairs the Website andNewsletter committees. She is eager to serve with creativity and passion while being a voice for students in NABSW.

Jaclenes enthusiasm for working with children and teens has directed her to jobs such as a Therapeutic Staff Support forchildren, staff counselor in a residential treatment facility for emotionally disturbed youth, a therapist intern for a partial hospitalwith youth, and a social worker intern for four schools. She recently obtained a position from Community in Schools of Philadelphiaas a site coordinator working with teen mothers and fathers. She hopes to develop and open a program for young women to improvetheir self-esteem through empowerment activities and education. Jaclene lives by the notion that you only live once, and that youshould live and enjoy life as if it is your last day.


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Treasurer Tierra Collins

Finance & Fund Development Committees

[email protected]

Tierra Collins is a graduate of Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) with a Bachelors Degree in SocialWork. She is currently pursuing her MSW at VCU. Her passion is working with children and families, helping to stabilize and pres-

serve families in todays society. She believes that every young person has the ability to succeed in life with preparation and proper

guidance.

Tierra became a member of NABSW in 2008. She attended her first National Conference in April 2009 and was amazed at

the joy and excitement of African Americans coming together to work and serve the African American community, as well as spiri-

tually embrace their African ancestry.

She is currently serving as Treasurer of the Office of Student Affairs, where she chairs the Fundraising and Scholarship

Committees. Treasurer Collins is honored to serve on the 2009-2010 OSA Executive Board, and is ready to serve the students of

NABSW.

Parliamentarian- Shenicka Jones

Nomination & Election Committees

[email protected]

Shenicka is currently pursuing her BSSW at The Ohio State University where she intends to secure a positionworking at a non-profit organization. She wants to focus primarily on young African American boys, and she isvery passionate about helping the youth restore their sense of direction. Shenicka has also obtained an Associates degree of AppliedScience in Human Service from Baker College in Flint, MI where she attended for 2 years prior to transferring to The Ohio StateUniversity.

Shenicka became a member of NABSW in 2007, and was elected to serve as Secretary of Mwanafunzi_ABSW studentchapter for the 2008-2009 academic year. She received the 2009-2010 Sharon Moore Endowment Fund. Shenicka also was the2009-2010 recipient of NABSW Elmma and Meloid Algood Scholarship and the Selena Danette Brown Book Scholarship.

Shenicka currently serves as the Parliamentarian for the Office of Student Affairs, where she chairs the Nominations andSankofa Mentorship Committees. She is honored to serve on the 2009-2010 OSA Executive Board, and is very passionate about theSankofa Mentorship Project. She also cant wait to stand in the gap advocating and being one of the voices of the student membersof NABSW.

Shenicka desires to make a positive impact on our youth boys and girls of todays time. She believes that these young la-dies and gentlemen are our future leaders and in order to be effective in moving forward, they must be properly educated by the wis-dom of our elders to do so. Shenicka is Empowered and Inspired by the quote Knowledge Is Power. She believes the more youknow the better off you will be.

In her spare time, Shenicka enjoys spending time with her family, friends and other loved ones. She also, enjoys studying


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Hotep Students and Student Chapter Advisors of the mighty National Association of Black Social Workers!

Welcome to the 2009-2010 school year! As the National Student Advisor, Im honored to have the opportunity toserve the students in this capacity. Student members have the potential to be a very influential force within this or-ganization. The Office of Student Affairs (OSA) serves as the eyes, ears and particularly the voice of the studentmembership. We continue to embark upon many new, exciting and innovative ideas as we focus on making theNABSW student experience both educational and rewarding!

Students, I hope that you will join us for discussions on facebook, keep up with OSA news on the OSA Blogspot and by attendingthe Chapter Officer Conferences hosted by your OSA National Counterparts. Also, volunteer your time to work on a National Levelby joining one of the many OSA committees. Student Chapter Advisors, I look forward to having contact with you as well as anddiscussing the importance of your role. We hope you are all preparing to join us in Philadelphia for our 42 nd Annual National Confer-ence, April 6-9, 2010. The theme is Keepers Of the Village: The Role For Community Organizers and will be hosted by the Phila-

delphia Chapter. Student activities will be hosted by students from the various student chapters in the Philadelphia area. They areexcited and working hard to prepare for you.

Last, but extremely important, this is an election year. Student chapters, dont miss the opportunity to vote not only for who will rep-resent you in the Office of Student Affairs, but who will lead this Mighty Organization! Please get your dues in before the December31st deadline so you will be able to VOTE! If you interested in running for a position within the Office of Student Affairs, look fornomination information to be released soon!

In the Spirit and Joy of Harambee!

Traci Lewis,, , LMSW

Every student organization is different, and it is important that advisors tailor their style of advising to what fits the needs of theorganization. Some helpful hints to get you and your organization started are listed below.

1. Set and agree upon clear expectations. What is the role of the advisor and the role of the student organization.

2. Understand your schools Student Activities & Greek Affairs policies regarding student organizations. Additionally, review yourorganization's constitution.

3. Be open and honest with all communication.

4. Assist group officers in assigning organization responsibilities. If you ever have a concern about an officer of the organization,talk to them in a one-on-one setting.

5. Get to know all the students you advise and be visible to them. Attend their meetings and events when you are able to so theyknow who you are and HAVE FUN!


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2010 Important Dates to RememberOctober

NABSW Scholarship applications available

November

30- ***Chapter membership dues must be received by the National Office

(***PLEASE NOTE...this is only applicable if members are applying for NABSW Scholarships)

December

21- NABSW Scholarship deadline ( NO LATE APPLICATIONS ACCEPTED )

31- CHAPTER MEMBERSHIP DUES MUST BE RECEIVED IN THE NATIONAL OFFICE

(***In order to vote in the National and OSA elections, dues MUST be received by this date!)

January

21-24 National Steering Committee Meeting- Atlanta, GA at the Renaissance Hotel Resort (Single and double rooms:$104) Students in Atlanta and surrounding areas..We hope to see you there!

February1- Nomination forms for Outstanding Faculty/Staff Advisor distributed

1- Potential OSA Officer campaigning begins

March

15- Deadline to submit nomination forms for Outstanding Faculty/Staff Advisor

April

6-9 National Conference Philadelphia, PA

Keepers of the Village:

The Role For Community Organizers April 6-9, 2010

Philadelphia Marriot Downtown

2010 NABSW 42nd Annual Conference Philadelphia, PA


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Want YOUR chapter to be highlighted in the OSA Newsletter?

Has your chapter done awesome work out in the community? Does yourchapter have a member who has done outstanding work in the chapterand/or in the community? Let the entire Organization know about it!!!Submit an article for the newsletter to OSA Secretary, Jaclene Ashford [email protected].

2010 NATIONAL CONFERENCE VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES. Studentvolunteers are needed to monitor workshops, tabulate workshop evaluations and com-plete many other needed tasks at conference. If you are interested in serving the Organi-zation by donating your time, please email 1st Vice-President/OSA Conference Commit-tee Chair Melanie Bryant Melanie [email protected] for more information or to regis-ter.

YOUR ADDRESS NEEDED. Be sure to provide the National office a permanent ad-dress and email in addition to your school address when submitting your membership.This will ensure you receive all materials and information distributed by the organiza-tion. Also check your Junk/Spam folder to make certain your NABSW mail is not beingmisplaced!

ATTENTION POTENTIAL GRADUATES. The Office of Student Affairs wouldlike to recognize the Fall 2009, Winter and Spring 2010 graduates. In order to assist thestudent graduates in transitioning to a local NABSW chapter in your are, it is vital thateach graduate contact the Office of Student Affairs and provide their graduationdate. If you are graduating but will continue your student membership status by com-pleting another degree program please alert the Office of Student Affairs at [email protected] of that change as well.


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Student HandbookThe OSA Advisor Handbook, Advisor PowerPoint Presentation and the OSA Student Handbook are nowavailable. If your chapter and/or Advisor has not received a copy or you are a newly affiliated chapter withNABSW, please contact OSA Membership Chairperson, Stacie Winn at [email protected]. There willalso be a limited amount available at the 2010 National Conference in April.

Fund Development- supports the student activities at conference.1. The online store NABSW Things 4 U is up and ready for patronage! The store address is http://

www.cafepress.com/osanabsw . Members can purchase NABSW items from mugs to t-shirts!

2. On sale now are the handmade NABSW graduation stoles . They are red, black and green with NABSWon both sides written in gold. Order forms will be available on the blog, sent by email and will be available

at the National Conference. Available year round, dont miss out on the chance to get yours!

All items make great gifts!!! To place an order or if you have questions, please contact the OSA Treasurer,Tierra Collins at [email protected].

Polo shirt sample from

NABSW Things 4U

NABSW Graduation Stolesample.

Shirts below are available in red, black, and green, in sizes Medium

to 4x!Price: $18

More information contact any


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THE CENIE JOMO WILLIAMS TUITION SCHOLARSHIP- 2 AWARDS OF $2,000 EACH

Cenie .Jomo. Williams, Jr. was the first elected President of the National Association of Black Social Workers. He was elected Presi-dent of the New York City Association of Black Social Workers in 1969 and developed many community programs that broughtpositive changes in the New York community, and built the New York City Chapter into the organization's largest chapter. Whenelected to the Presidency of the National Association of Black Social Workers in 1970, Williams. put forth tremendous efforts todevelop and organize new chapters, both nationally and internationally. In 1974, he was appointed first Executive Director of theNational Association of Black Social Workers. As director, he continued his work with the international affiliates which resulted in

the development of the National Association of Black Social Workers International Education Conference. Until the time of his tran-sition in 1983, Cenie never gave up fighting for justice. His passion to serve can only be surpassed by his love for African peopleeverywhere.

SELENA DANETTE BROWN BOOK SCHOLARSHIP- 4 AWARDS OF $250 EACH

Selena Brown was a student at the University of Michigan. She had worked hard to attend school and was killed in Detroit by a fam-ily member. She was very active in NABSW and highly thought of by students and members of the Association.

THE GUYNN FAMILY FOUNDATION BOOK SCHOLARSHIP- 1 AWARD OF $750

The Guynn Family Foundation promotes social change, which contributes to a more just and peaceful world. Through its scholarshipprogram, the Foundation supports the efforts of African American students who plan to work in the field of social work. The Foun-dation's focus is to expand knowledge, to clarify values and critical choices, and to nurture creative expression to help shape publicpolicy. On the macro level, the Foundation seeks to develop leaders, to strengthen and engage citizens and institutions, and to buildcommunities through the establishment of partnerships.

EMMA AND MELOID ALGOOD SCHOLARSHIP- 1 AWARD OF $1000Carl Algood established the Emma and Meloid Algood Undergraduate Student Scholarship to honor his parents for their unselfishdedication to helping people in need. Their work with the poor, even though they lacked formal training, left an indelible impressionupon him. This led to his choice of social work as a career. Consequently, Mr. Algood, partners with NABSW in providing an annualscholarship to a deserving social work student who will use the training to work with the less fortunate in our communities.

DR. JOYCE BECKETT GRADUATE STUDENT SCHOLARSHIP- 1 AWARD OF $1000

Dr. Joyce Beckett, a member of the Richmond, Virginia Chapter of ABSW, funded the Dr. Joyce Beckett Scholarship to help Afri-can American graduate students who plan to provide needed social work interventions with African Americans. This annual scholar-ship is a means of giving back to the African American community. This scholarship is intended to help a student complete graduatework and develop professional skills and talents to work in the African American community.

* ALL AWARDS SUBJECT TO AVAILABILITY


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Check out the BlogSpot for OSA! http://www.nabswstudentaffairs.blogspot.com/

And we are on...

Type in the search box: National Association of Black Social Workers Office of Student Affairs

Hope to see you there!

President Quanastacia McMillan: [email protected]

1st Vice President Melanie Bryant: [email protected]

2nd Vice President Stacie Winn: [email protected]

Secretary Jaclene Ashford: [email protected]

Treasurer Tierra Collins: [email protected]

Parliamentarian Shenicka Jones: [email protected] Traci Lewis: [email protected]

Calling all students in the Greater Metro/Atlanta, Detroit, Houston,Philadelphia, and New York City areas!

Are you interested in being partnered with a mentor from a community chapter in your area?

If so, join the NABSW Sankofa MentorshipProject. This will provide you with a wonderful opportunity for networking and professional de-

velopment.

Contact Parliamentarian Shenicka Jones for more information at: [email protected]


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Do you have a desire to work on anational level?

The Officers of OSA are alwaysseeking students to join variouscommittees within OSA to helpcarry out the duties and responsi-bilities of each committee. If inter-ested, please send an email to thecommittee chair with your name,contact number and committee of interest in the subject line.

Special Projects CommitteeThe Special Projects Committeeworks in collaboration with the Na-tional Executive Office regardinginitiatives and issues of concern forthe African American Community.Please contact [email protected] for additional in-formation.

Conference & Community ServiceCommitteeThe Conference Committee worksto enhance the student experience atNational conference. The Commu-nity Service Committee works tocoordinate community service projects for National Conference OSADay of Service and for studentchapters to conduct in their local

communities. Please [email protected] for ad-ditional information.

Membership & Transitions Com-mitteeThe Membership Committee worksto support the national initiativesfor membership, which includesincreasing recruitment, retentionand revitalization of our member-ship. The Transitions Committeeworks cooperatively with the Mem-bership Committee and SankofaMentorship Project to support theretention of student members and asmooth transition into participationin local parent chapters. Please con-tact [email protected] formore information.

Newsletter & Website/TechnologyCommitteeThe Newsletter Committee workswith chapters and committee mem-bers to create the bi-annual OSA Harambee Vision Newsletter. TheWebsite/Technology Committeeworks to ensures the nabswstuden-taffairs.blogspot.com page is cur-rent and also assists with mainte-nance of the Facebook National As-sociation of Black Social Workersgroup page. Please contact [email protected] for additionalinformation.

Scholarship & Fundraising Com-mitteeThe Scholarship Committee worksto get information to the studentsand sits on the review committee.The Fundraising Committee worksto financially support the studentbody of NABSW. Please [email protected] foradditional information.

Sankofa & Nominations/ElectionsCommitteeThe Sankofa Mentorship Commit-tee works to make sure studentchapters have a mentorship pro-gram in place for students to beconnected to a seasoned NABSWprofessional member. The SankofaCommittee motto is Linking To-morrow's Social Workers withMentors for Life. The Nomina-

tions/Elections Committee works toseek qualified individuals to run forOSA officer positions. Please con-tact [email protected] for addi-tional information.


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2009-2010 OSA with NABSW founders (l-r seated) Dr. Madry, Dr.Glasgow & Dr. Better during the OSA Retreat.

2009-2010 OSA Executive Team after induction with NABSWPresident Dr. Batiste-Roberts (far right).

OSA Executive Team with a member of the Chester ABSWCommunity Chapter.

1st Vice-President Bryant with a member of the Widener Uni-versity ABSW Student Chapter.

October 2009 Philadelphia

President McMillan reporting the work OSA has beendoing on behalf of the NABSW student members.

July 2009 Washington, D.C.

NABSW National Executive Committee with Civil Rights ActivistDr. Dorothy Height (seated).


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PRESIDENTDr. Gloria Batiste-RobertsMissouri City, TX [email protected]

VICE PRESIDENTCheikh MbackSouthfield, MI [email protected]

TREASURERPatricia ONeal-WilliamsJacksonville, FL [email protected]

RECORDING SECRETARYRenata Hedrington-JonesRichmond, VA [email protected]

CORRESPONDING SECRETARYSharon Holmes ThomasDurham, [email protected]

MEMBER-AT-LARGESharon BomarDecatur, GA [email protected]

MEMBER-AT-LARGEJohn GordonCharlotte, NC [email protected]

IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT

Judith JacksonDetroit, MI

OFFICE OF STUDENT AFFAIRSQuanastacia McMillanOSA CoordinatorUniversity of [email protected]

2305 Martian Luther King Ave. S.E.

Washington, DC 20020

Phone (202) 678-4570

Fax (202) 678-4572

Email [email protected]

Website nabsw.org

Hotep -Peace

Harambee -Pulling together fora common cause

Maat -Truth and Justice

Sankofa -Reaching back in or-der to move forward

Asante Sana -Thank you

Mwanafunzi -Student. (Moo-won-uh-fun-zee)

NguzoSaba -Seven guidingprinciples

Umoja -Unity stresses the im-portance of togetherness for thefamily and the community,which is reflected in the Afri-can saying, I am We, or Iam because We are.(ooh-moe- jah)

Kujichagulia -Self-determination requires that wedefine our common interestsand make decisions that in thebest interest of our family andcommunity(koo-gee-cha-goo-lee-yah)

Ujima -Collective Work andResponsibility reminds us of our obligation to the past, pre-sent and future, and that wehave a role to play in the com-

munity, society, and world.(ooh-gee-mah)

Ujamaa -Cooperative econom-ics emphasizes our collectiveeconomic strength and encour-ages us to meet common needsthrough mutual support.(ooh- jah-mah)

Nia -Purpose encourages us tolook within ourselves and to setpersonal goals that are benefi-cial to the community(nee-yah)

Kuumba -Creativity makes useof our creative energies to buildand maintain a strong and vi-brant community(koo-oom-bah)

Imani -Faith focuses on honor-ing the best of our traditions,draws upon the best in our-selves, and helps us strive for ahigher level of life for human-

kind, by affirming our self-worth and confidence in ourability to succeed & triumph inrighteous struggle.(ee-mah-nee)

Kwanzaa -Kwanzaa is a uniqueAfrican American celebrationwith focus on the traditionalAfrican values of family, com-munity responsibility, com-merce, and self-improvement.Kwanzaa is neither political norreligious and despite some mis-conceptions, is not a substitutefor Christmas. It is simply atime of reaffirming African-American people, their ances-tors and culture. Kwanzaameans "first fruits of the har-vest "in the African languageKiswahili. When establishingKwanzaa in 1966, Dr. MaulanaKarenga included an additional"a" to the end of the spelling toreflect the difference betweenthe African American celebra-tion(Kwanzaa)and the Mother-land spelling(Kwanza).Kwanzaa is based on the guzo

Saba, one for each day of ob-servance, and is celebrated De-cember 26-January 1.

Asha -Gods Will

Zawadi gift-These gifts that aregiven out as a reward for a jobwell done or a commitment tothe principles of Kwanzaa.Usually a zawadi is homemadeor educational. NABSW chap-ters share a gift of $25 or morewith the host chapter of theNational Conference. The hostchapter then shares this giftwith an organization in thecommunity that shares like/ similar values with NABSW.

Harbari Gani -"What's thenews?" or What's happening?

Kamau -Kenyan meaning"quiet warrior".


Documents

OSA Newsletter Fall 2009