When We Move seeks to translate the seven principles of Kwanzaa through the use of abstract design and Adinkra symbols. Liberty has been taken in aligning these related, but independent concepts. Each layer of this piece incorporates symbols and materials (both natural and manmade) that reference each principle. The abstract shapes represent movement that is necessary to manifest each of these principles and their relationship between each other.
Imani (Faith)
To believe with all our hearts in our people and the righteousness and victory of our struggle.
Nyame Nti: A symbol of faith and trust in God It symbolizes to the Akan that food is a basis of life and that they could not survive if not for the food that God has placed here on Earth for their nourishment.
Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics)
To build and maintain our own stores, shops and other businesses and to profit from them together.
BESE SAKA: Symbol of affluence, power, abundance, plenty, togetherness and unity.
Nia (Purpose)
To make our collective vocation the building and developing of our community in order to restore our people to their traditional greatness.
Agyindawuru: A symbol of faithfulness, alertness, and dutifulness. Designed to commemorate the faithfulness of one Agyin who was a dutiful servant and gong-beater to the Asantehene.
Umoja (Unity)
To strive for and maintain unity in the family, community, nation, and race.
Funtumfunefu Denkyemfunefu: Represents two mythical crocodiles (or one, depending on how one looks at it) with one shared stomach. It is a symbol of unity in diversity giving a common destiny; sharing.
NKONSONKONSON: Symbol of unity and human relations. A reminder to contribute to the community, that in unity lies strength
Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility)
To build and maintain our community together and make our community's problems our problems and to solve them together.
Aya: A symbol of endurance, independence, defiance against difficulties, hardiness, perseverance, and resourcefulness.
To do always as much as we can to leave our community more beautiful and beneficial than we inherited it.
Kuumba (Creativity)
Ananse Ntentan is a symbol of wisdom, craftiness, creativity, and the complexities of life.
To define ourselves, name ourselves, create for ourselves and speak for ourselves.
Kujichagulia (Self-Determination)
Nkyinkyim: The design of Nkyinkyim depicts the tortuous nature of life’s journey. hese twists and turns require one to be versatile and resilient to survive.
