The Principles of Kwanzaa: Day Five NIA

Kwanzaa celebrates what its founder, Maulana Karenga called the seven principles of Kwanzaa, or Nguzo Saba (originally Nguzu Saba – the seven principles of African Heritage), which Karenga said "is a communitarian African philosophy," consisting of what Karenga called "the best of African thought and practice in constant exchange with the world." They were developed in 1965, a year before Kwanzaa itself. These seven principles comprise Kawaida, a Swahili word meaning "common". Each of the seven days of Kwanzaa is dedicated to one of the seven.

On this, the fifth day of Kwanzaa the days principle is NIA.

Nia (Purpose): To make our collective vocation the building and developing of our community in order to restore our people to their traditional greatness.

Kwanzaa is a secular festival observed by many African Americans from December 26 to January 1 as a celebration of their cultural heritage and traditional values.

Barack Obama statement on John Lewis cancer diagnosis

Former President Barack Obama took to Twitter to send a message to his friend Rep. John Lewis after Lewis announced that he had stage four pancreatic cancer:

If there’s one thing I love about @RepJohnLewis, it’s his incomparable will to fight. I know he’s got a lot more of that left in him. Praying for you, my friend.

REP. JOHN LEWIS UNDERGOING CANCER TREATMENT

Rep. John Lewis recently learned from doctors that he must undergo treatment for pancreatic cancer. He released this statement today regarding his prognosis and his plans to continue to serve the people of the 5th Congressional District of Georgia:

“I have been in some kind of fight – for freedom, equality, basic human rights – for nearly my entire life. I have never faced a fight quite like the one I have now.

“This month in a routine medical visit, and subsequent tests, doctors discovered Stage IV pancreatic cancer. This diagnosis has been reconfirmed.

“While I am clear-eyed about the prognosis, doctors have told me that recent medical advances have made this type of cancer treatable in many cases, that treatment options are no longer as debilitating as they once were, and that I have a fighting chance.

“So I have decided to do what I know to do and do what I have always done: I am going to fight it and keep fighting for the Beloved Community. We still have many bridges to cross.

“To my constituents: being your representative in Congress is the honor of a lifetime. I will return to Washington in coming days to continue our work and begin my treatment plan, which will occur over the next several weeks. I may miss a few votes during this period, but with God’s grace I will be back on the front lines soon.

“Please keep me in your prayers as I begin this journey.”

100-year-old Tuskegee Airmen promoted to Brigadier General

On Dec. 20, 2019 One hundred year old Tuskegee Airmen Charles McGee was promoted to Brigadier General when the National Defense Authorization Act of 2020 was signed into law.

"It’s wonderful to be recognized for service and what it means to serve," McGee said. "Certainly to receive that honorary rank is very meaningful."

McGee protected the Eighth Air Force bombers as part of the famous "Red Tails Squadron." Back then, white pilots were sent home after 50 missions. But McGee flew 136 missions over Nazi Europe. He then served in Korea and Vietnam, before retiring from the U.S. Air Force with the rank of Colonel.

The centenarian’s family is anticipating a ceremony sometime next month. McGee insists his promotion is about promoting others sticking to their dreams.

"We had folks tell us you can’t do something," McGee said. "I think this kind of sweeps that away. Realize that you can."

[SOURCE: 10tv.com]

Tiffany Hicks'Bay is Missing

BRUNSWICK COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA: The Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office is asking for the public’s help to locate a woman who went missing on Christmas Eve.

Tiffany Hicks’Bay, 39, was last seen around 2:30 p.m. at a home on Highcroft Drive near Leland.

Officials say she’s 5′2″ and weighs around 120 pounds.

She’s possibly driving a silver 2011 GMC Terrain with N.C. tags HDW-9369.

Anyone with information should contact Det. Nowell at 910-880-4854 or call 911.