Conference Expectations

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?