If my grandmother was still alive, she would have had one of her favorite sayings on repeat this year: “We are living in the last and evil days baby.” This year has been filled with celebrities’ deaths; social injustices were a blatant spit in the face across the nation for many groups of people; politics was not business as usual; natural disasters struck many places across the world; and violent attacks occurred in Nice, France and Orlando, Florida.

2016 is definitely one for the books, but there is something positive about problems. Problems give us the opportunity to address issues. While driving back from a Kwanzaa event yesterday, I wondered if the principles associated with Kwanzaa have been demonstrated this year. Before you grab your pitchforks or put me in a box, I view holidays as mostly fellowship. I truly wish that holidays had a deep meaning that gave me goose bumps, and though most of them have ugly roots, the current representations of them are usually beautiful. Ok, back to Kwanzaa’s principles; they are listed in Swahili. I have difficulty pronouncing them and not all of them apply to this post.

The first image that comes to my mind is of UNITY (Umoja) in 2016. People from across the nation stood in solidarity with the indigenous people of North America at Standing Rock. Some provided support through financial means, speaking out, or even physically being there to defend the land. Isn’t it powerful what can happen when people come together for one cause?

The second principle that relates to 2016 is Cooperative Economics (UJAMAA). Killer Mike was on a mission to increase the funds in black banks. He started last year, but this year after a radio interview the #Bank Black movement moved almost $1 million dollars in 5 days. This made national headlines and even celebrities joined in to assist.

For the first time in a decade, I watched the BET Awards. I was slightly entertained by the performances, but the moment that made me scream, the moment that made me fumble out of my bed and pace the floor came from Jesse Williams.  Jesse Williams’ BET Speech was full of purpose (Nia). My interpretation of our purpose from his speech was to demonstrate excellence while carrying the torch for true freedom.

Speaking of entertainment, we have seen plenty of it this year. Whether you sipped on LEMONADE while having A SEAT AT THE TABLE or participated in a social media challenge, you name it – we were so gone, doing the running man, and then we were still as a mannequin, and some even decided to switch it up. We not only overcame challenges, but we also created them to entertain the world. Many people across the world joined in the Kuumba (creativity). Some may feel that this was a form of shucking and jiving, but it makes me happy that we can still smile in the midst of so many troubles.

This determination represents the fire of the human spirit. Self-determination (Kujichagulia) is important to us all. It’s the fanning of fumes when you need flames to arrive at your destination. One person that exemplified this was Simone Biles, a gymnast standing at 4 feet, 8 inches, who created a signature move “The Biles” despite being injured. She even went on to win 5 Olympic medals because of her determination.  Simon Biles’ Signature Move was accidental due to her being in pain. We can learn something from her experience.

Many people have cursed 2016 yet they are still here. 2016 hasn’t been easy, but with the right principles you can still bring home the gold, carry the torch, and be a part of something that will benefit the generations to come.

Move onward and upward so you can progress to your fullest potential!

Phyllis G. Williams “Progress Promoter”