Every year, we have
students who are attending conference for the first time. Often times, we hear ‘wow, I had no idea
conference was like this, I’m so glad I came.’
As you prepare for conference, here are a few items to note and ideas to
keep in mind.
As an African-Centered
organization for African Descendants, the preferred attire is African Garb or
attire. Please note, it is not mandatory
but many conferees will have on African attire.
If this is your first conference, you may want to consider having
African attire for the Cenie “Jomo” Williams luncheon and Harambee
Ceremony. If you only have one piece of
attire, the Harambee Ceremony is the gathering to wear it. If you do not have any attire, many of the
vendors at conference have pieces you can purchase at very reasonable price.
At the Harambee Ceremony,
chapter Presidents or their Designee are asked to share a monetary gift with
the host chapter. Please be sure to
discuss with your chapter members and decide on the amount of the gift prior to
coming to conference. Additionally, you
will hear many African terms and phrases used.
Listed below, are some of the common words and phrases you will hear.
. Hotep—Peace
. Harambee—Pulling together for a common cause
. Ma’at—Truth and Justice
. Ashe – Amen or so be it (ahh-shea)
. Sankofa—Reaching back in order to move
forward
. Mwanafunzi—Student. (Mah-won-uh-fun-zee)
. Umoja- Unity stresses the importance of togetherness for the
family and the
community, which is reflected in the African
saying, “I am We,” or “I am
because We are.” (ooh-moe-jah)
. Kujichagulia—Self-determination requires that
we define our
common interests and make decisions that
in the best interest of
our family and community
(koo-gee-cha-goo-lee-yah)
. Ujima—Collective Work and
Responsibility reminds us of our
obligation to the past,
present and future, and that we have a role to
play in the community,
society, and world. (ooh-gee-mah)
.
Ujamaa—Cooperative economics emphasizes our
collective
economic strength and
encourages us to meet common needs
through mutual support. (ooh-jah-mah)
. Zawadi—gift. It is an African tradition that a heartfelt
gift is
shared with the young people of the villages. In the spirit of this
tradition, NABSW chapters share a monetary gift with the host
chapter of the National Conference.
The host chapter then shares
this
gift with a community organization with like and similar
values of NABSW.
. Asha—God’s Will
. Asante Sana—Thank You
. Habari Gani—What’s the News? Or What’s
Happening?
