San Quentin residents spoke about what three of the seven principles of Kwanzaa mean to them, giving their perspectives on community and family.
The principles of Kwanzaa consist of Umoja (Unity), Kujichagulia (Self-Determination), Ujima (Collective Work), Ujamaa (Economics), Nia (Purpose), Kuumba (Creativity), and Imani (Faith).
In 1966, Maulana Karenga authored the seven principles of Kwanzaa. He’s a former professor of African Studies at University of California Long Beach, according to the University of Sankore Press.
“Our people have used these principles to overcome so much adversity and struggle,” said SQ resident Michael “Mikael” Walker II.
Steve Embrey, 53, said unity is the best thing the community could have, that by coming together as a collective the community’s success would be unstoppable.
Embrey used his hand as a metaphor to express unity. He spread all five of his fingers, separating them individually, “This is a sign of weakness,” he said. He brought his fingers together making a fist and said, “This is a sign of unity.”
Additionally he said that when people in the community are feeling down, the community should come together and lift them up.
Akbar Bey said that his parents always taught him and his siblings to stick together. Despite being in prison, when he talks to his sister on the phone the conversation is about being a part of the collective community.
Steven Warren is a poet incarcerated at SQ. He shared some written thoughts on what his ancestors would say to this young generation of descendants.
“I am your ancestor from the bloodline that carried the chains. I’m writing to you because the movement is not dead. It waits on you,” Warren wrote.
Another resident revealed his perspective on self-determination as it applies to being responsible.
Ryan “Taz” Matlock, 30, said that prior to coming to prison he didn’t know anything about Kwanzaa. His incarceration was a product of his own choices, but today he holds himself accountable.
Matlock added that it’s important to understand the principle of self-determination, to strive for something good, through positive responsibilities.
“There is a sense of urgency to encourage ourselves and speak for ourselves,” Matlock said. “If I can do this so can you. Ask yourself: what does it mean to be a Black person?”
In just five words, an SQ resident spoke about his willpower through self-determination, self-consciousness, self-motivation, self-ambition, and enthusiasm, which are words of success, said 34-year-old resident Zachery “Soulja” Rideaux Jr.
Jonathan Watts, 28, said that self-determination drives his ambition to be an entrepreneur. He is a certified welder, and the money he will earn from that skill will help him start his own business once released.
In bringing in the New Year, resident Ralph “RB” Brown, 50, said self-determination means to stay grounded and give himself awareness by putting his best foot forward.
Incarcerated person Jarvis Garner Jr., 38, reflected on times when there was destruction in communities. Purpose for the community is a positive affirmation to rebuild the community.
Garner reflected on the history of the Watts riots of 1965, saying that the event devastated the community, and then the following year saw the creation of Kwanzaa.
“It’s easy to destroy, and it’s hard to rebuild,” said Garner. “We have been doing the easy things all our life. It’s time to try something different.”
Traditions are something deeper than the seven principles of Kwanzaa. The community can bring a gift of peace to the community, to use constructive words as means of peace, said resident Walker.