KUUMBA: Creativity
To do always as much as we can, in the way we can, in order to leave our community more beautiful and beneficial than we inherited it.
This principle is my favorite.
Regardless of how yucky the world is, or how tentative my place in it becomes, I will always be committed to creating beauty in the image of my people. Creativity reminds us that God has gifted us with the ability to make the world around us better than when we found it.
No matter how poor I am or depressed I get, I can be uplifted by bold colors, wild designs, excellent ideas, and melanated greatness. Creativity keeps me here. New ways to express myself keeps my blood warm. The possibilities of being discovered and appreciated for my creativity is what keeps me moving forward.
That is why my standard is so high when it comes to presentation, especially in the church. Church plays, concerts, and dance presentations need to have the same level of excellence–if not higher–as professional productions. Creative Arts ministries are infamous for just sliding by with the minimum effort. I cannot accept that, which is main reason why I cannot be part of their groups. That and the inherent nepotism.
Creativity keeps me alive. I will give no less than my best in everything that I produce, even if no one ever sees it.
