In 1999, InterChange.org will significantly change its' service. Be prepared for Internet broadcasting on InterChange Radio and for Nsagi's List to become more user friendly enabling you to share your information with each other in a more effective manner. We invite you to participate in making this service one of the most significant places within the Internet.
As we transition into the last year of this century, we wish to "share" some of the thoughtful messages sent to us during the recent high holidays. We trust that these words will empower you along a path of fruitful experiences during the coming year and prepare you for your journeys into the upcoming Millennium.
peace,
vernard r gray
for InterChange.org
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1999 ***
From: Rafiki Cai <rcai@visions.net>
Date: Sat, 26 Dec 1998 17:39:40 -0800
Subject: Happy
Kwanzaa and More Umoja for Us All
Umoja: Unity
The First of the Nguzo Saba (Kwanzaa Principles)
Unity is the beginning of wisdom, the foundation of purpose and the power of achievement.
Kwanzaa is a time for celebration and rededication. Celebration of that with which we have been blessed, however meager. Rededication to the faiths and convictions that guide and enrich our lives, however old fashion they may seem. It is also proper time for us to assess our present state and what it is that we need more or less of. We need more Unity.
As the current film Down in the Delta would suggest, we need stronger bonds with one another. Longer patience and deepened devotion; less ego and materialism, and more courage and sensitivity. We need to believe again in our Oneness, or to learn that lesson if we never knew it.
So how do we get there? What are some of the steps? A few suggested ones are:
Unity is not in our
names, wardrobe or proclamations. Its in our courageous and consistent
actions, however small. Its an e-mail sent to stay in touch with
family or old friends. Its sharing whatever we have-ideas, support,
prayer or time. We are already unified. The very nature of Life makes
it so. We only need to see and embrace this fact.
In this New Year no matter what the outer circumstances may reflect, hold on to the vision of Oneness. It is literally a matter of Harmony or chaos, Life or death.
In Service and Respect and Harambee (Let's
Pull Together),
Rafiki Cai/The Digital Doctor
This inspiration is made possible by the forthcoming PublicWire Network, an Internet radio network that will bring you LIVE and pre-recorded events and programming in the New Year. So stay tuned for coverage of major national and international conferences and festivals, interviews with celebrities and achievers, and even call-in shows. All via PublicWire Internet Radio.
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From: "daniel harley" <vharley@hotmail.com>
Date: Mon, 28 Dec 1998 12:20:21 PST
Subject: BUTTERFLY KISSES
We often learn the most from our children.
Some time ago, a friend of mine punished his
3-year-old daughter for wasting a roll of gold
wrapping paper. Money was tight, and he became infuriated when
the child tried to decorate a box to put under the tree.
Nevertheless, the little girl brought the
gift to her
father the next morning and said, "This is for you, Daddy."
He was embarrassed by his earlier overreaction, but his
anger flared again when he found that the box was
empty. He yelled at her, "Don't you know that
when you give someone a present, there's supposed to
be something inside of it?" The little girl looked up
at him with tears in her eyes and said, "Oh, Daddy it's
not
empty. I blew kisses into the box. All for you, Daddy."
The father was crushed. He put his arms
around his
little girl, and he begged her forgiveness. My friend
told me that he kept that gold box by his bed for years.
Whenever he was discouraged, he would take out an
imaginary kiss and remember the love of the child who
had put it there. In a very real sense, each of
us as parents has been given a gold container
filled with unconditional love and kisses from our children.
There is no more precious possession anyone could hold.
-------You now have the choice, you can:------
1) pass this on to your friends
2) delete it and act like it didn't touch your heart
As you can see, I took choice number 1...
Happy New Year and Happy Kwanza
*** 1998 *** *** 1999 *** *** 1998 *** *** 1999 *** *** 1998 *** *** 1999 *** *** 1998 *** *** 1999 ***
From: PhoenixNVa@aol.com
Date: Sat, 26 Dec 1998 20:31:53 EST
Subject: Habari Gani
Habari Gani: "What's the news?"
| UMOJA
(U-mo-ja) Unity |
One God! One Aim! One Destiny!
-Marcus Garvey |
Symbolized by lighting the black candle
in the center of the kinara, UMOJA is the first principle of Kwanzaa.
It encourages us to work for togetherness in our family, the community
in which we live, and our nation.
| KUJICHAGULIA
(Ku-ji-cha-gu-lia) Self-determination |
We have been named; we should now become
"namers"
-Lerone Bennett, Jr. |
The second principle of Kwanzaa is KUJICHAGULIA
which is symbolized by lighting the first red candle on the kinara.
It encourages us to define, create and learn traditions about ourselves
rather than allow ourselves to be defined by others.
| UJIMA
(U-ji-ma) Collective Work and Responsibility |
Black power is black
responsibility
-Adam Clayton Powell, Jr. |
Symbolized by lighting the first green candle
on the kinara, UJIMA reinforces the idea that African-Americans must work
together for the betterment of our communities. Key to growth as
a community is the spirit of cooperation.
| UJAMAA
(U-ja-ma) Cooperative Economics |
Cash handouts might sustain you for a few
months, at the end of which your problems remain.
-Nelson Mandela |
The fourth principle of Kwanzaa is UJAMAA,
symbolized by lighting the second red candle on the kinara. UJAMAA
is based on the concept that African-Americans must own, support and maintain
Black businesses. To build viable institutions within the African-American
community that will speak for the collective and defend our interests,
we must pool our resources together and participate in the spirit of UJAMAA.
| NIA
(Ni-a) Purpose |
Each generation must ... discover its mission,
fulfill it, or betray it.
-Frantz Fanon |
The fifth symbol of Kwanzaa, NIA, is symbolized
by lighting the second green candle on the kinara. NIA involves recognizing
that we all posses a divine purpose and taking the responsibility to develop
to our potential.
| KUUMBA
(Ku-um-ba) Creativity |
To be Black is to shine and aim high.
-Leontyne Price |
The sixth principle of Kwanzaa, KUUMBA is
symbolized by lighting the last red candle on the kinara. It challenges
us to use our God-given talents in a way to strengthen, enlighten and uplift
our people and all we come in contact with.
| IMANI
(I-mani) Faith |
If Black America is ever to get on its feet,
it must first get down on its knees.
-Ralph D. Abernathy |
Symbolized by lighting the last green candle
on the kinara, IMANI encourages us to have faith in the creator and our
people. To believe in God, our parents and our family, leaders and
the goodness and victory of our struggle.
*** 1998 *** *** 1999 *** *** 1998 *** *** 1999 *** *** 1998 *** *** 1999 *** *** 1998 *** *** 1999 ***
From: NBaakan@aol.com
Date: Sat, 26 Dec 1998 23:47:53 EST
Subject: Kwanzaa
Greetings Sharing Unity
Habari gani, Umojah!
As this first day of Kwanzaa comes to a close let us all remember what is the source that unites us all to one another. It is the Divine Essence of Life, in whatever language you wish to speak of it. Let us also remember our common heritage first as children of this Divine Manifestation and with that, we are all one Family. Let us continue to identify our oneness gaining strength from our variety which will lead us into the new millennium with love, peace and harmony. Surly our most precious gift is that we are descendant from the Higher Than All forms, The Great and Powerful One, to whom we owe all praise and in whom when can gain access to all the is Divine within.
Sharing Unity, Nana Baakan
Blessed Kwanzaa
*** 1998 *** *** 1999 *** *** 1998 *** *** 1999 *** *** 1998 *** *** 1999 *** *** 1998 *** *** 1999 ***
From: NBaakan@aol.com
Date: Mon, 28 Dec 1998 01:41:33 EST
Subject: Kwanzaa
Greetings, Self Determination
Habari Gani, Self determination
Peace and Blessings to you as we observe
the second day of Kwanzaa, Kujichagulia. While it is not a religious
observance we can be religious about our direction and energy towards determining
who we are as Divine Essence and Creatures on this planet earth.
Let us determine our true mission and why we have come to this world this
lifetime. Let us live up to our
fullest potential and include in this potential a proactive approach
to bringing peace to our world. Let us determine that we have the
ability to bring peace, joy and love to this world and that we truly are
the product of our own thoughts and actions. Let us determine that
we will extend ourselves to those in need and give them our very best.
Let us realize our own innate power to conceive and then to establish a
better world.
Lovingly, Nana "Baakan"
*** 1998 *** *** 1999 *** *** 1998 *** *** 1999 *** *** 1998 *** *** 1999 *** *** 1998 *** *** 1999 ***
From: NBaakan@aol.com
Date: Tue, 29 Dec 1998 01:45:22 EST
Subject: Kwanzaa
Greetings, Collective Work and Responsibility
Habari Gani, Ujima
As we collect the fruits of our labor we
are reminded of the collective through the Kwanzaa principle Ujima.
In order for us to build we have to have the raw materials. With
these materials we are encouraged to construct a solid and fruitful community.
How often have we walked pass something that was clearly out of place and
opted to leave it there because we did not put it
there in the first place? How often do we take responsibility
for our environment and decide to do our best to maintain its healthiness?
How often are we concerned enough to understand our brother and sister's
mysteries? If we are clear that we are one family then we will sense
one another's need as our own and then seek an avenue support to one another.
There is an Akan Proverb that states: Se asem to wo a, eka wo ni
ana w'abusuafo nso. If calamity befalls you, it affects other the
members of your family.
Ujima, collective work and responsibility.
To build and maintain our community together
and to make our brothers and sisters problems our problems and to solve
them together.
Asante Sana,
Nana "Baakan"
*** 1998 *** *** 1999 *** *** 1998 *** *** 1999 *** *** 1998 *** *** 1999 *** *** 1998 *** *** 1999 ***
From: NBaakan@aol.com
Date: Wed, 30 Dec 1998 00:33:19 EST
Subject: Kwanzaa
Greetings, Cooperative Economics
Harbari Gani, Ujamaa, Cooperative Economics
In all sincerity this has got to be one
of the hardest principles and challenges we face as a people here in America.
The statistics mount discussing the manner in which we spend our hard earned
dollars. African Americans are chronically dependent consumers.
Where are our independent institutions, corporations, businesses, schools,
manufacturers, etc., that are owned, operated and supported by us?
Where are our structures that free us economically from the grip of dependence
on that which is outside of what we are able to produce for ourselves?
Where are our institutions that would discredit the census takers and show
that we are capable and determined to support our own and do for self?
Still day in a day out we spend millions of
dollars and to who's advantage.
While it is extremely difficult to control how any one person spends their hard earned dollars, let's just make a concerted effort for the seven days of Kwanzaa to "build and maintain our own stores, shops and other businesses and to profit together from them." Imagine the impact on the improvement of our economic status if we did that for just seven days out of one year. Think About It.
Harambe, Nana "Baakan"
*** 1998 *** *** 1999 *** *** 1998 *** *** 1999 *** *** 1998 *** *** 1999 *** *** 1998 *** *** 1999 ***
From: Rapsodymag@aol.com
Date: Wed, 30 Dec 1998 23:47:28 EST
Subject: New
Years Greetings from Rhapsody in Black!
Greetings,
I come to you in the midst of a birthday celebration! We are celebrating the first anniversary of Rhapsody in Black. 1998 was quite an eventful year for us, and we would like to thank all of you that made our humble beginnings a revelation in black poetry for years to come! We would like to invite you to our newly redesigned website. We have included alot more information, poetry, features, commentary and a guestbook for your feedback. Our goal is to be the premier site for contemporary African American literature.
A lot can happen in a year's time, but it is important to take a moment every now and then and look back at your past career moves, friendships, love interests, financial investments, etc., to evaluate your personal successes and your "not so successful" attempts at forward progress. In every failure there is a "seed of equivalent benefit", find that and you will always be a success. Life is a continuum of growth and learning. Every moment in your life is an opportunity for you to be your best!
The
old phrase "those who do not know their past are doomed to repeat it" is
just as important now as it was when your parents first heard it. Some
things never change. Are you happy with your past years? Was anything missing?
If there was, I challenge you to forge ahead, armed with the knowledge
and awareness of your past experiences to be your best! You will only get
back what you put out, so make it the best. Happy New Year!
Peace and Blessings,
John A. Riddick, Jr.
Chief Editor, Rhapsody in Black
http://www.rhapsodyinblack.com
*** 1998 *** *** 1999 *** *** 1998 *** *** 1999 *** *** 1998 *** *** 1999 *** *** 1998 *** *** 1999 ***
From: NBaakan@aol.com
Date: Thu, 31 Dec 1998 00:41:42 EST
Subject: Kwanzaa Greetings,
Nia
Habari Gani, Nia-Purpose
Let us remember that traditional African Societies reflect on each individual as part of a cohesive whole community. Each person having their own purpose often defined through a name given at birth, is thereby given a charge to promotes the health, wealth and growth of the entire community. A good name is better than gold.
As we identify our individual purpose for existence on this planet, let us imbue our community with the strength of the commitment that our purpose allies itself to the benefit of all.
Each of us come here
with a set destiny defined in the stars. Once we are clear of it
we can apply ourselves to reaching our highest goals. In reaching
our highest goals we automatically enhance the well being of the collective.
Through acknowledgment of our divine purpose we in fact will "restore our
people to their traditional greatness."
"The race needs workers at this time, not plagiarists, copyists and mere
imitators, but men and women who are able to create, to originate and improve
and thus make an independent racial contribution to the world and
civilization."
The Honorable Marcus Mosiah Garvey
Happy Kwanzaa, Nana Baakan
*** 1998 *** *** 1999 *** *** 1998 *** *** 1999 *** *** 1998 *** *** 1999 *** *** 1998 *** *** 1999 ***
From: Bodil <bpmeleney@tidalwave.net>
Date: Thu, 31 Dec 1998 14:26:10 -0500
Subject: The New Year
It is New Years eve and I would like to wish every one of you the very best for the New Year. May it be filled with joy and peace in your personal life, fulfilling and rewarding in your work and may your path lead you to new, uncharted and exciting horizons that will challenge you to continue to grow to your fullest potential.
Peace,
Bodil
*** 1998 *** *** 1999 *** *** 1998 *** *** 1999 *** *** 1998 *** *** 1999 *** *** 1998 *** *** 1999 ***
From: daphne muse <damuse@compuserve.com>
Date: Thu, 31 Dec 1998 11:12:01 -0500
Subject: '99
Dump the freight from 98! Be Divine in 99!!.
Signing on to my next book project.
Happy New Year,
Daphne
*** 1998 *** *** 1999 *** *** 1998 *** *** 1999 *** *** 1998 *** *** 1999 *** *** 1998 *** *** 1999 ***
From: COOPEALOOP@aol.com
Date: Thu, 31 Dec 1998 20:34:08 EST
Subject: Thank you Brother
Man
I have appreciated all that you have sent and have forwarded to those who wanted the information. I hope that you and yours have a happy and creative year in 1999. It is marked with the signs of beginnings of our reemergence as the group of people on the planet that are leaders and not followers. A time to show our Children what true parents are and the way Parents are to provide not just the material things that we have been trapped into buying but the spiritual guidance that the great Ancestors would be proud to watch grow.
Brother Cooper in St. Louis Misery (HA HAA)
*** 1998 *** *** 1999 *** *** 1998 *** *** 1999 *** *** 1998 *** *** 1999 *** *** 1998 *** *** 1999 ***
From: blackpgs <blackpgs@blackpgs.com>
Date: Fri, 01 Jan 1999 05:20:15 -0500
Subject: A Peaceful and
Positive 1999
Greetings!
The Internet Black Pages would like to wish you a Happy New Year!
We challenge you to do something positive for your community in 1999.
Let us know about your community event or organization and we will advertise
it free!
Peace and Blessings,
The Internet Black Pages
http://www.blackpgs.com
*** 1998 *** *** 1999 *** *** 1998 *** *** 1999 *** *** 1998 *** *** 1999 *** *** 1998 *** *** 1999 ***
From: NBaakan@aol.com
Date: Thu, 31 Dec 1998 23:48:27 EST
Subject: Kwanzaa Greetings/Kuumba-Creativity
Habari Gani - Kuumba-Creativity
Is it a coincidence that New Year's Eve is the day that we acknowledge the principle of Creativity-Kuumba? I doubt it. The belief is that all things are preordained, for every cause there is an effect, and while it may appear that we may not be prepared for what happens, the happenings have already been scheduled.
Let us forge ahead with a new creativity as we make our New Year's resolutions. If we begin with the thought that we create our worlds mentally and live out our creations each moment of our lives; then we can be assured that this coming year can be full of the enriching manifestations of what we have creatively planned.
The year 1999 will present for us many opportunities to do old things in a new and creative way. The challenges that we face will scale the entire gamut of our existence on this planet; professionally, academically, emotionally, physically and spiritually. The challenges that we face us as a world community will force us to use our creative powers of expression and harmony to its fullest extent or there will be total chaos. While we may have been isolated some 10, 20 years ago we are no longer communicating just to one another but we are interacting with a world community.
How can we be creatively charged to overcome the insidious impact of prejudice towards others because of race, creed, national origin and sexual orientation? How can we creatively circumvent the intrusive influence of bias and narrow-mindedness? How can we creatively open our hearts to the advantages of the new resources that are beyond our immediate reality? How can we be unified in our efforts to bring forth a blessed world and harmonious redemption from the crimes of hate and anger? How can we creatively overcome our negative behaviors and emotions that act to strangle the life out of our personal and interpersonal interactions? How do we creatively extend ourselves beyond this earthly existence as we know it so as to embrace all possibilities? How many of us are truly willing to enter the new year and the new millennium with the creative hope that with love and tolerance we will be united as a world family.
These
questions and more pierce my mind as I contemplate the coming of the new
year and the new millennium. Let's practice Kuumba in it most exalted
sense. Let's always do as much as we can in order to leave our community
more
beautiful and beneficial than when we inherited it. Let's commit
to a New World Order that will enhance all our lives from the biggest to
the smallest. Let's start with each of us making a mental determination
that we will extend this concept of Kuumba in all that we do. Let's
acknowledge our own will power and creatively forge ahead into a New Year,
a New Millennium and New World.
Akan Proverbs
Kwanzaa Blessings, Nana "Baakan"
- Every Creature has a Special Gift from the Creator. Everyone has a talent.
- Wisdom is not like gold which should be kept in a safe. The wise person should apply wisdom in one's daily life. Do not keep it and behave unwisely.
*** 1998 *** *** 1999 *** *** 1998 *** *** 1999 *** *** 1998 *** *** 1999 *** *** 1998 *** *** 1999 ***
From: walt@nichemarket.com
Date: Fri, 01 Jan 1999 02:09:15 PST
Subject: Walt's Friday
Inspirations #71
Happy New You!
It's here again just better still
don't get tired of the fight
Another chance to set your goals
365 days to get it right
It's here again just stronger now
renewed commitment to the race
On your mark, get set, get ready, go!
the perfect time to set the pace
It's year again, just brighter now
create, create is what you'll do
construct the pieces of your world
and have a happy new you!
(c) walt@nichemarket.com
Created: 12/31/98
released:01/01/99
http://www.nichemarket.com/
*** 1998 *** *** 1999 *** *** 1998 *** *** 1999 *** *** 1998 *** *** 1999 *** *** 1998 *** *** 1999 ***
From: nubian5@iname.com
Date: Fri, 1 Jan 1999 13:01:11 -0500 (EST)
Subject: Fwd: Re: Making New Friends
Greetings to all the Brothers and Sisters!
1999 is here! And, as we step into the days ahead I ask all you to pray our brothers and sisters currently incarcerated. Believe as you pray, that and end the this insanity is near. Yes, insanity! Look into you own families and ask yourselves if we are doing whatever it is that we can to SAVE them. The Justice Department statistics alone bear witness to the crime of incarceration of our families. Those statistics show that although African Americans make up 7% of this country's population they make up over 51% of the prison population and when we add Hispanic stats the statistics rises to 71% of the prison pop.
Ask yourselves......How can this be? With those stats climbing the we can be sure that incarceration will effect almost every Black family in American. Reports released by the National Criminal Justice Commission state.......If projections come true, by the year 2020 63.3% of all African American men in the U.S. aged 18-34 will be behind bars. That's your children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. A horrifying thought!!!!
This is nothing more than legalized slavery!! Prisons for plantations. Visit our site http://www.geocities.com/CapitolHill/1526 ask what you can do to help...visit the links (especially the cell door where our brothers and sisters reside) then........contact us. The fact is........If we say nothing, do nothing then best believe the children that we have not yet had will be swooped up before they are 12 years old..........is that what we want for our future??
I would hope NOT!!!!
God bless you all and lead you to the front lines of this war.
Peace
Elayna Monts
aka Shavsha
Executive Director
The Real Illumination on the Prison Population (TRIPP)
http://www.geocities.com/CapitolHill/1526
Isaiah 61:1
*** 1998 *** *** 1999 *** *** 1998 *** *** 1999 *** *** 1998 *** *** 1999 *** *** 1998 *** *** 1999 ***
From: "Victor Shelton"
<13stg13@gte.net>
Date: Fri, 1 Jan 1999 15:24:00 -0500
Subject: 1999:
Will you take advantage of the opportunities before you?
As we welcome 1999 with expectations of good health, prosperity, and lasting peace, let us not forget the sacrifices of those who have gone before us and blazed the trail that we all strive to follow. Make our ancestors proud and in some way continue their legacy in our actions and inter-actions with others. We all have, individually and collectively at our disposal a wealth of knowledge, talent, and resources which if utilized to their potential can truly make this upcoming year the happy one that we wish to each other on this day.
Make a difference!
Volunteer at a library or public school as a story teller or tutor
Invest for YOUR future, "http://www.cobinvest.com"
Write a letter to the editor of your local paper and your elected officials hold them accountable!
VOTE!
Gain a different perspective on the news of the day, "http://www.bbjonline.com"
Make yourself and others aware of available resources and information, "http://www.InterChange.org"
Read a book a month "http://www.drumandspear.com"
Find money for college "http://www.beckhamhouse.com/guides.htm"
Information is useless if we keep it to ourselves, pass it on.
Happy New Year!
"Trader V"
Victor W. Shelton, President
The Shelton Traders Group, Inc.
"http://www.sheltontraders.com"
202-561-0755
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