Our Philosophy of Care
Operation Get Down is committed to an African-centered value system known as Nguzo Saba (Seven Principles), a communitarian African philosophy consisting of the best of African thought and practice. These seven principles comprise Kawaida, a Swahili term for tradition and reason, and each principle originally had its roots in the celebration of Kwanzaa. We at OGD, however, believe that the Seven Principles can be applied year ‘round and by people of all races, religions, creeds and cultures. The principles are:
▲ Umoja – Unity
To strive for and maintain unity in the family, community, nation and race.
▲ Kujichagulia – Self Determination
To define ourselves, name ourselves, create for ourselves and speak for ourselves instead of being defined, named, created and spoken for by others.
▲ Ujima – Collective Work and Responsibility
To build and maintain our community together, and to make our brothers’ and sisters’ problems our problems to solve together.
▲ Ujamaa – Cooperative Economics
To build and maintain our own businesses and profit together from them.
▲ Nia – Purpose
To make our collective vocation the building and developing of our communities and to restore our people to our traditional greatness.
▲ Kuumba – Creativity
To always do as much as we can in any way that we can, in order to leave our community more beautiful and beneficial than when we inherited it.
▲ Imani – Faith
To believe with all our hearts in our god, our people, our parents, our teachers, our leaders, and the righteousness and victory of our struggle.
By employing these principles in our approach to all client care, and by teaching these principles as the foundation for personal growth and improvement, OGD remains at the forefront of providing community-based programs for our most marginalized citizens.
What is Kwanzaa?
Kwanzaa is a holiday that honors African-American people and their past. First celebrated in 1966 by African-American educator Dr. Maulana Karenga, Kwanzaa recognizes African-American culture, contributions and history.
Operation Get Down is committed to an African-centered value system known as Nguzo Saba (Seven Principles), a communitarian African philosophy consisting of the best of African thought and practice. These seven principles comprise Kawaida, a Swahili term for tradition and reason, and each principle originally had its roots in the celebration of Kwanzaa.