The 3rd day of Kwanzaa - UJIMA (a story by Eshu Bumpus)

"The Great Drum" by Eshu Bumpus (http://eshu.folktales.net/)

The lion sent out a message for all the animals to come to a very special meeting.

Messengers went far and wide to spread the news of this meeting. As soon as the animals heard the message, they hurried right away to the council circle. It was about three weeks before they were all gathered. The lion was very disappointed.

"We have got to find a way to get everyone together more quickly!" shouted the lion.

Anansi had an idea. "What we need," he explained, "...is a great drum, one that can be heard all over the forest. When the great drum is sounded, everyone will know right away and come swiftly to meetings."

Everyone agreed that this was a fine idea. The animals were divided into groups, each group taking on a different part in the construction of the drum. The first group cut down a large tree.

The second group trimmed off all the branches. The next group hollowed out the tree.

Then sculptors worked to decorate the drum. They worked hard through many days. On their way home at the end of each day, they would sing;

Life is labor,

We are tired and hot,

 We work so hard,

 Because we work for our people.

Everyone worked except the monkey. While the others labored, he found a nice shady spot to hide and eat berries all day long.

When they were on their way back to the village, Monkey would join them as though he had been working with them all along.

Monkey sang:

Life is labor,

 I am tired and hot,

 I work so hard,

 Because I work for my people.

Anansi watched and knew exactly what Monkey was doing, but Anansi said nothing.

When the Great Drum was finished, it had to be brought to the council circle.

The problem was that the Drum was very heavy and no one wanted to carry it.

It was then that Anansi spoke up. "Since no one wants to carry the Great Drum and we have all worked so hard already, I suggest that the laziest person among us carry the Drum."

All the animals thought this was a good plan. Each of them looked around, trying to think who among them was laziest. Who hadn't they seen working? First one looked at Monkey, then another and soon all eyes rested on the monkey.

Monkey stepped out into the center of the circle and announced, "I just want to make one thing perfectly clear. I will not carry that drum!"

All the animals laughed. Anansi said, "No one mentioned your name, Monkey. All we said was that the laziest person should carry the Drum."

People were wondering to themselves, who was laziest among them. But the monkey did not have to wonder. He knew very well who was laziest. He came forward and made it clear when he spoke.

So it was agreed that the monkey had to carry the Great Drum to the council circle.

UJIMA — Collective Work and Responsibility Read full post

The 2nd day of Kwanzaa - KUJICHAGULIA (a story by Eshu Bumpus)

The 2nd day of Kwanzaa - KUJICHAGULIA (Self-Determination)

"The Three Tests" by Eshu Bumpus ( http://eshu.folktales.net/ )                 )

Once, long ago, three tigers came to Africa. They went to the country of the animals and made this terrible announcement.

"From now on, this land will be ruled by the Tigers. We are, after all, the strongest, fastest and wisest of all animals. Therefore, we are the only fit rulers." they claimed.

A little mouse spoke up from the crowd, " But we have a council where we make our decisions together, we don't need or want any ruler."

One of the tigers let out a roar so loud and fierce that the poor mouse started running and didn't stop until he was in the land of the humans. To this day, he lives in the houses of humans.

His cousin, the female field mouse, misses him terribly.

The other animals didn't like the idea much either, but they looked at those tigers' big claws and sharp teeth and were afraid to speak.

These tigers were even bigger than the lion. "We will collect taxes and we'll also change the name of this country. From now on, this will be Tigerland and you will call yourselves servants of the tigers.", they said.

Finally, Anansi spoke. "Great tigers, it is clear that you are strong, fast and wise, but just so that everyone will know for sure that you are stronger, faster and wiser than anyone else, let us have a contest.", Anansi suggested.

The tigers liked the idea, so Anansi continued. "Let us prepare ourselves, then tomorrow we will choose someone to compete against each of you."

So the tigers left and the animals held a private meeting to discuss what to do.

The next morning, the animals were ready. The tigers came to the council circle. The strongest tiger spoke first. "Who will compete against me?" he asked.

"I will." said the tiny voice of the field mouse. The tiger laughed until he cried. "This will not take long." he said.

"Who will race me?" roared the swiftest tiger. "I will." said the tortoise. "This is no contest at all!" shouted the tigers.

Hare told the third tiger, " I must bring you to the home of the owl. She is the wisest of all creatures." "We will see," said the tiger.

First was the contest of strength. The field mouse brought the tiger to a large clearing. They each stood at one edge of the clearing with one end of a rope. Between them was placed hundreds of big thorn bushes.

When she gave a signal of two short tugs on the rope, the tiger was to start pulling. The loser would get dragged across the thorns.

The tiger laughed at the little mouse and said that he was ready. She gave the signal, and the tiger began to pull.

What he didn't know was that behind the field mouse, standing in the forest was a great bull elephant holding onto the rope. So while the tiger pulled on one end, the elephant pulled on the other. The tiger got dragged all the way through the thorn bushes yelling, " Ouch! OOOCH! Ouch! Ouch!" all the way.

"If this is how strong the mice are, I would hate to see what the other animals can do!" he shouted.

Next was the race. The tortoise brought the fastest tiger to a five-mile stretch of road in the forest. At each mile marker, one of tortoise's cousins was hiding. (To the tiger they would all look alike.)

When the race began, Tiger went zooming away, leaving the tortoise in his dust. As he was coming to the first mile marker, the tiger was laughing to himself. "How could a tortoise think he could outrun me?" he said.

Just then, Tortoise came out from his hiding place behind the mile marker. "What took you so long, Mr. Tiger?" he asked politely.

Tiger was shocked. "How did you get here so fast?!" he screamed. Tortoise didn't answer. He just slowly plodded off toward the next marker.

The tiger zoomed past him and ran at top speed to the second mile-marker, only to find Tortoise sitting there waiting. "I really thought tigers were faster than this." he said, sounding very disappointed.

"I'll beat you yet!" shouted the tiger as he sped to the next marker.

At this third marker, Tortoise was sitting down playing a game of Mankala with Anansi and laughing about how easy the race was. Tiger couldn't believe his eyes.

At the fourth marker, Tortoise was asleep, snoring loudly. Tiger sped by him so fast that he left the tortoise spinning like a top.

Finally, tiger was racing toward the finish line. Tortoise was nowhere in sight. Tiger was running at full speed. Nothing could stop him now.

Yet, as he got closer to the line, he noticed a little round thing sitting there. It must be a rock he told himself. But as he got closer, he saw that little head and those four little legs and he knew. Tortoise was already there!

"It's impossible!" he screamed. But no matter how much he screamed, it didn't change the fact that Tortoise had won the race.

Now the hare was bringing the third tiger to the home of the wise old owl. But the hare kept complaining of stomach pains and said that he couldn't walk very well.

"Can't you get someone else to show me the way?" said the tiger angrily. "I'm the only one who knows the way," whispered Hare, "It's a secret."

Tiger was irritated. " Then you'll just have to ride on my back," he said.

They rode on for a little while, but the hare kept letting himself slide off the tiger's back, so they weren't making much progress. "If you bring me to my house, I can get my saddle." Hare suggested, "That way, I won't slip off."

So the tiger brought the hare home and let Hare put a saddle on him.

"And if you let me use these reins," Hare continued, "I can steer you left or right without talking so much. I have a sore throat you know." Tiger agreed.

Then the hare went into his house and came out wearing spurs and carrying a whip.

"Wait a minute!" said Tiger, "What's all that for?!"

"Oh I just wear these spurs for show." Hare said. " And the whip is so I can keep the flies off you while you're giving me a ride."

"Okay," said the tiger, "But be careful."

So they rode on, but not to the owl's home. They went right to the council circle. A

All the other animals were gathered there. When Hare came in sight of the other animals, he dug his spurs into the tiger's sides and snapped that whip against the tiger's backside and yelled "GITTY UP HORSEY!"

That tiger went jumping and howling through the crowd looking about as foolish as a fool can look.

All the animals laughed and laughed. The other tigers were so embarrassed that they pleaded with the hare to stop.

The hare got off the tiger's back and took his saddle and reins.

Those tigers agreed never to come back to Africa again. That's why, to this day, there are no tigers in the forests of Africa. And everyone got along fine in the land of animals with everyone as equals, no kings, no queens, no rulers.

KUJICHAGULIA — Self-Determination Read full post

Obama Murders on Christmas Day!!!

Dear friends,

This super-Coward Obama had the audacity to swear on Martin King's bible, at his inauguration. What excuses will people make for him now? Moreover, since when does ANYONE know what another person's intentions are? Have you ever thought of doing wither good or harm to someone, then changed your mind? I mean, just as we have feelings about a person or thing, we, simultaneously, have conflicting feelings.  Besides, Obama has killed 122 children, to date, with drone attacks! Wake up, please!

G. Djata Bumpus
http://dissenter.firedoglake.com/2013/12/26/while-americans-were-celebrating-christmas-obama-administration-launched-drone-strike-in-pakistan/ Read full post

The Fist Day of Kwanzaa - UMOJA (a story by Eshu Bumpus)

"Anansi and his Sons"

When Anansi's first son was born and Anansi and his wife, Aso were ready to name the child, the baby spoke up and said, "I have brought my own name with me. It is See Trouble." Their second son also announced his name in this way. He was Road Builder.

Each of his six sons in turn announced their names in this way. There was River Drinker, Game Skinner, Stone Thrower and Cushion.

Once, Anansi had to go on a long journey. On his trip, he found a big, bright, shiny ball. He was bringing it home, when he fell into the lake and was swallowed by a big fish.

Anansi decided right then that he would give the bright shiny object to whoever rescued him.

As time passed, and Anansi did not return home, his family became worried. See Trouble looked ahead to see Anansi inside the big fish. He told his brothers. Right away, Road Builder cleared a path through the forest for his brothers to follow.

When they got to the lake, it was the thirsty brother's turn.

River Drinker drank up all the water in the lake. There was the big fish at the bottom. Game skinner went right to work. He cut open that fish to let Anansi out. Anansi was still holding that bright, shiny object he had found.

Suddenly a giant bird flew down and grabbed Anansi. It took him way up into the sky. Stone Thrower grabbed a rock and threw it. He hit the bird just right to make it let go of Anansi. Down, down Anansi fell, but he didn't get hurt because Cushion put himself in the way. Anansi landed softly.

Anansi wanted to give the bright, shiny object to the son who had rescued him, but he couldn't decide who had done the most to help him.

He gave the bright, shiny thing to Nyame, who put it up in the sky until someone could figure out which son deserves it the most. It is still there in the sky. You can see it tonight.

UMOJA - Unity Read full post

Kwanzaa Song by Eshu Bumpus

These seven principles,
these seven principles,
are principles we'll follow,
from Kwanzaa to Kwanzaa.




Dear friends,

I am quite honored to share a song with you upon which my three now-grown children were raised. Each day of Kwanzaa, after eating a meal together and having our family discussion about the principle of that particular day, we sang this song. It was written by one of my siblings - Eshu. Both the lyrics and the link to the song itself appear below. Enjoy!

G. Djata Bumpus
*************************************
Kwanzaa Song

Unity,
Umoja means Unity.
Kujichagulia,
I know who I must be.
Ujima working hard,
showing responsibilty.
Ujamaa means to shareextended family.

chorus:
These seven principles,
these seven principles,
are principles we'll follow,
from Kwanzaa to Kwanzaa.

These seven principles,
these seven principles,
are principles we'll follow,
from Kwanzaa to Kwanzaa.

Nia is the purpose,
what we mean to each other.
Kuumba is the beauty
that we bring to one another.
Imani is believing
in our sisters and our brothers,
and learning from the teachings
of our fathers and our miothers.

chorus:
These seven principles,
these seven principles,
are principles we'll follow,
from Kwanzaa to Kwanzaa.

These seven principles,
these seven principles,
are principles we'll follow,
from Kwanzaa to Kwanzaa.
http://eshu.folktales.net/resources/kwanzaa/01_these_seven_principles-(eshu).mp3 Read full post

What is Kwanzaa?

Dear friends,

*The word “Kwanza” refers to the first fruits of harvest. Dr. Maulana Ron Karenga and members of his organization held the first Kwanza Celebration in the mid sixties. There were seven children in the group. They decided to change the spelling to Kwanzaa to give each child a special place in the ceremony. So if there is an official spelling it would be Kwanzaa.

Kwanzaa is not a black Christmas. Rather, it is an African American holiday period that gives us a special time to reflect upon our personal, family, and community circumstances at the present, and our commitment to both maintain the worthiness of our cultural experience, while designing a vision for African Americans as a people to continue progressing, as it regards to many relationships in which human beings involved themselves, as we prepare for those who will follow us, as well as those who have yet to come.

While there is a small amount of symbolism through rituals, at least for me, my now grown children, as well as my siblings, family and community discussion is the most important part of honoring this special period. Gift-giving, on the other hand, is not an essential element of Kwanzaa. When it was originally celebrated, the idea was that any gifts that were to be given would be made by hand, as opposed to going to a department store and buying something. However, it was the experience in my household, while raising my children that we took care of all the gift-giving on Christmas Day. That way, with Kwanzaa always starting on December 26, we could spend our total focus on Nguzo Saba or The Seven Principles.

The Bumpus family
*******************************************

Compiled by Eshu Bumpus below:
http://eshu.folktales.net/resources/kwanzaa/kwanzaa_toc.pdf Read full post

The great Yusef Lateef has passed

"I believe that all humans have knowledge," he said in a 2009 interview for the National Endowment for the Arts. "Each culture has some knowledge. That's why I studied with Saj Dev, an Indian flute player. That's why I studied Stockhausen's music. The pygmies' music of the rain forest is very rich music. So the knowledge is out there. And I also believe one should seek knowledge from the cradle to the grave. With that kind of inquisitiveness, one discovers things that were unknown before." – Yusef Lateef, during interview with National Endowment for the Arts

Dear friends,

I just received some very sad news this morning. Yesterday, December 23, 2013, a long time and dear friend of mine passed. The Grammy award winning and legendary musician Yusef Lateef has left a legacy that will continue for generations. Towards the late 1980s, I move my family from Philadelphia to Amherst Mass., after years of visiting my brother Eshu there. It’s where I raised all of my now grown three children. The small historical town, during the 70s and 80s, was a literal mecca of the world’s finest artists and intellectuals, with a list of names that could hardly be matched by major cultural centers like Boston, New York City, and Philadelphia.

While I’d been listening to his music since the 1960s,I first met Yusef personally, about 25 years ago, through my dear friend, music mentor, and brother Archie Shepp, another great music legend in his own right. For a decade after that, aside from occasionally speaking over the phone, Yusef and I would run into each other, in a variety of situations, from social gatherings to often in the local supermarket, while shopping for our families (btw, his son Yusef and my son Kwame were close friends).

On one of those occasions, back in the mid-90s, while engaging in one of our typical long intellectual discussions, I started talking about one of my pet peeves; that being: Young musicians of today, regardless of their musical genres, don’t listen to enough different kinds of music, nor do they appreciate the story of how the music has evolved as an artistic expression of any particular culture. Instead, the aforementioned young musicians and their listeners simply pander to the the insatiable greed of the "market". The result being that their music is stale and has no “soul”. Moreover, I believe that within the context of their heritages and the spiritual/innermost bases of same, all cultures have "soul music", as well as "soul food", not just African Americans.

In any case, Yusef said that he agreed with me, and, in fact, liked what I was saying. He then concluded our conversation by asking me if I would give a Masters class/seminar to a group of music majors that he was teaching at Hampshire College. I accepted his offer, and only a few weeks later taught the class that I called “Playing with soul” to about two dozen, very receptive students/musicians.

Afterwards, Yusef presented me with a generous honorarium and an album/CD that he had just recorded called “Cantata”. It is a beautiful, musical/historical piece that includes not only his saxophone playing, but also, a great deal of his own spoken words.

Many years later, after writing and publishing a play in book format called “Voice of a Panther”, I decided that at some point I was going to contact Yusef, so we could sit down and talk about some of the specific vision and thoughts that inspired him to do “Cantata”. Unfortunately, my procrastination has gotten the best of me. I never got around to calling him. Nevertheless, while I’ll no longer be able to discuss/interview him about the work, I still plan on finishing the play one day.

“Love lives forever!” – Stevie Wonder

G. Djata Bumpus Read full post