Living the Principles of Kwanzaa: How HTI Catalysts Honors the Nguzo Saba Year-Round

How HTI Catalysts embody the spirit of Kwanzaa year-round and 3 practical tips on how your business can as well.

At HTI Catalysts, we embody the spirit of Kwanzaa year-round by embracing the Nguzo Saba—the seven principles of Kwanzaa—as a foundational guide in our work and mission. These principles inspire us to build bridges, cultivate community, and foster growth and collaboration within our organization and beyond. Here’s how we honor these values daily and three practical ways your business can, too.

Honoring the Nguzo Saba at HTI Catalysts

1. Umoja (Unity): Collaboration is at the heart of everything we do. Whether it’s fostering a cohesive team environment or working with community partners, we prioritize unity as a catalyst for meaningful change.
2. Kujichagulia (Self-Determination): We empower ourselves and others to define their identities, set their paths, and take ownership of their growth. HTI Catalysts invests in leadership development and encourages every team member to bring their authentic selves to the table.
3. Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility): Our projects are designed to address shared challenges and leverage collective wisdom. Through group problem-solving sessions and community-driven initiatives, we amplify our collective strength.
4. Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics): Supporting Black-owned businesses and reinvesting in our community are core commitments. We partner with local vendors and create economic opportunities that benefit everyone involved.
5. Nia (Purpose): Every project at HTI Catalysts aligns with our mission to make a positive impact. From educational workshops to community engagement events, our purpose drives us to uplift and inspire.
6. Kuumba (Creativity): Innovation fuels our work. By approaching challenges with imagination and a willingness to think outside the box, we create unique solutions that resonate deeply with those we serve.
7. Imani (Faith): We believe in the potential of our community, our team, and our vision. This faith sustains us and motivates us to keep striving toward our goals, even in the face of obstacles.

Three Practical Tips to Incorporate Kwanzaa Principles In Your Business Year-Round

1. Start Meetings with a Principle: Begin team meetings or strategy sessions by reflecting on one of the Nguzo Saba principles. For example, dedicate a moment to discuss how Ujima can guide collective problem-solving that day.
2. Support Local and Black-Owned Businesses/Non-profits: Make a commitment to source products and services from businesses that align with cooperative economics. Highlight these partnerships publicly to encourage others to follow suit. Give regularly to Black-led non-profit organizations focused on systems change.
3. Celebrate Creativity and Purpose: Host a quarterly team event focused on Kuumba and Nia. This could be a brainstorming session for new ideas, vision-boarding/collage-making, or a workshop where team members connect their personal goals with your organization’s mission.

The Nguzo Saba principles transcend the holiday season. By integrating them into our everyday practices, we can create businesses that not only thrive but also serve as beacons of inspiration and empowerment for our communities. At HTI Catalysts, we’re proud to carry these values forward in everything we do, and we invite you to join us on this journey.

Learn more