Them 1: Ubuntu

I don't feel there's a proper balance of Ubuntu in the African American culture. There's a lot of gatekeeping in our community, negative experiences when we support businesses within our culture and a lack of support for each other. While Ubuntu used to be prevalent in our culture, various factors have put us at a disadvantage as we've progressed. This includes poverty due to discrimination, laws created by outside entities to keep us at a disadvantage, discrimination in employment, removal of programs to help the poor, and drugs flooding our neighborhoods, causing breakdowns in our communities. This has led to a loss of unity, trust, and respect for each other.  Many of us are hesitant to share because it could mean going without. This leads to individualism in the African American culture instead of collective action.

The distinctions and parallels between Africans and African Americans are readily apparent. Africans have thriving communities in and around Los Angeles, demonstrating that Ubuntu is deeply embedded within their culture. While their businesses and restaurants may not appear as polished and aesthetically pleasing to us (African Americans), they nonetheless offer valuable services, catering not only to Africans but also to African Americans. I've observed that when Africans come to the United States, they readily support one another, offering accommodation and assistance with resources without any barriers. In contrast, the spirit of ubuntu is not as prominently displayed within the African American community as I’ve mentioned before. 

Theme 2: 7 Concepts of Afrocentric Psychology

Upon reviewing the 7 concepts of Afrocentric psychology, I find it difficult to pinpoint one that is most or least prevalent within the African American community. From my perspective, these concepts seem to be more individualized rather than collectively embraced within the community. Personally, as a member of the African American community, along with my immediate family, I believe that we embody all 7 concepts to some extent. While we may not perfectly adhere to all 7, we do strive to uphold the cardinal virtues of ma’at. We are acutely aware of maafa and witness its impact consistently, whether through social media or in our everyday experiences. In my interactions with my community, I observe a sense of veneration and respect for our people. We prioritize showing reverence to our ancestors, elders, and descendants, and we embrace the concept of spiritness. Furthermore, we make a conscious effort to be genuine and authentic, recognizing the importance of understanding our history to pave the way for personal and collective progress.  However, I also recognize that some individuals within the African American community continue to suffer from the lasting effects of maafa, perpetuated by the oppressive and destructive forces that have shaped our history. Instead of physical enslavement, European colonization has left a legacy of mental and psychological subjugation, which continues to affect some members of our community.

Theme 3:  7 Principles of Nguzo Saba 

I am drawn to the concepts of Ujima and Ujamaa because I believe they are essential for our community to gain power and control in the United States. Ujima embodies the idea of collective work and responsibility within our community, which I witness when we take the time to educate ourselves about our history, learn from it, and work together to shape a secure and improved future. We take responsibility by acknowledging the impact of racism and collectively strive to reshape our thoughts and behaviors. Ujamaa represents cooperative economics, which I see in action within our community. I've observed examples on social media of African Americans coming together to invest in land, homes, crops, shopping centers, and financial education to empower ourselves economically.