Op-Ed: Celebrate the Kwanzaa Principle of Ujaama By Developing And Preserving Black Homeownership

 Kwanzaa is made up of seven principles: Umoja (Unity), Kujichagulia (Self-determination), Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility), Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics), Nia (Purpose), Kuumba (Creativity) and Imani (Faith).

 Yesterday was the celebration of ‘Ujaama,’ or Cooperative Economics. While I believe that every principle of Kwanzaa is important to the black community, Ujaama has a particular imperative. Cooperative economics has been practiced by people throughout the African Diaspora for centuries. It has played a major role in creating opportunities for land and homeownership.

A community cannot build collective economics if they are not the stewards of their own land, and, in turn, their own future. For this reason, I am proud to sponsor S3469, the New York State Community Land Trust (CLT) Taxation Bill.

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