Harambee literally means let's "all pull together" in Kiswahili, is the official motto of Kenya and appears on its coat of arms.
Harambee events may range from informal affairs lasting a few hours, in which invitations are spread by word of mouth, to formal, multi-day events advertised in newspapers. These events have long been important in parts of East Africa, as ways to build and maintain communities.
Following Kenya's independence in 1963, the first Prime Minister, and later first President of Kenya, Jomo Kenyatta adopted "Harambee" as a concept of pulling the country together to build a new nation. He encouraged communities to work together to raise funds for all sorts of local projects, pledging that the government would provide their startup costs. Under this system, wealthy individuals wishing to get into politics could donate large amounts of money to local harambee drives, thereby gaining legitimacy; however, such practices were never institutionalised during Kenyatta's presidency.
"Harambee," may be derived from an expression of praise to a Hindu deity: Ambee Mata (a reincarnation of Durga riding a Tiger). The railway linesmen carrying huge loads of iron rails and sleeper blocks would chant "har, har ambee!" (praise praise to Ambee mother) when working. The first president, Jomo Kenyatta has been said to have witnessed a railway line team as it worked in cohesion and harmony. It represented the metaphor he wanted to reflect: a nation working together and communicating and sharing its load.
In these modern times we want to continue this tradition of working together as one! Harambee is a collective activity that everyone is invited to participate in. We'll sing "Lift Every Voice & Sing," recognize the elders of the community and remind everyone of our collective responsibility to work, love, live and play together in a harmonious fashion. We end Harambee with our right arm in the air, pulling down on the 7th Harambee.
Come on out to the festival at Lock 3, in Akron on Sunday @ 11am and help us help each other. Harambee, harambee, harambee, harambee, harambee, harambee, harambeeeeeee!!
Asante Sana(Thank You)to all ancestors, elders, nation builders, youth, special guests and committee members who participated in our Opening with Harambee. The concept of pulling together was evidenced by our respect,endurance and unbroken spirit and faithfulness to one another. Let us pledge to seek harmony, justice and a sacred upholding of our history beyond this day for our sake and our children's sakes. Ashe
ReplyDeleteAma Rita Rogers