Community is Core:What Kwanzaa Taught Me About Sustainable Impact

Community Is the Core: What Kwanzaa Taught Me About Sustainable Impact

Over the last few days, I had the honor of participating in multiple Kwanzaa celebrations across the Queen City—Charlotte, NC. As each celebration unfolded, so did a powerful truth: community is not an accessory to success—it is the foundation of it.

From practicing Kujichagulia (Self-Determination) to Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility) and Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics), a shared theme echoed through every space I entered: when community is centered, impact follows.

Each museum hall and school auditorium was filled with families representing different neighborhoods, professions, faiths, education levels, cultures, and lived experiences. These differences didn’t divide the room—they strengthened it. Together, these micro-communities formed a collective committed to living the principles of Kwanzaa not just for seven days, but every day.

Founded by Maulana Karenga in 1966, Kwanzaa is a seven-day celebration (December 25–January 1) honoring African heritage, culture, and community through the Nguzo Saba:
Umoja (Unity), Kujichagulia (Self-Determination), Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility), Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics), Nia (Purpose), Kuumba (Creativity), and Imani (Faith).

For this reflection, I want to focus on three—because they showed up loudly, clearly, and urgently (and honestly I did not want to forget what I had learned by Day 7).

A Call to Show Up for Community—In Real Time

Throughout the celebrations, there were direct calls to action:

* A call to invest in the literary and performing arts, positioning Charlotte as a global cultural epicenter for artists of the African Diaspora and beyond.

* A call to honor our ancestors and elders, ensuring their work, traditions, and rituals continue through us.

* On the night honoring Ujima, participants were asked—in real time—to write a letter to themselves responding to the prompt:
“What will you contribute to your community this year?”

Then came Ujamaa.

A panel of entrepreneurs took the stage and were asked one simple but profound question:
“How can we—as a community—support you?”

Four entrepreneurs. Four distinct answers.
But one response stayed with me.

The owner of Red Rice Books, a Black woman–owned, online bookstore powered by Black food and culture, answered plainly:

“I need space.”

Space Is an Asset—If You Know How to Leverage It

As a grant writer and impact strategist, I spend much of my work bringing organizations, partners, and communities together to align missions with resources. Hearing this request moved me deeply—not because it was complicated, but because it was honest.

After the program, I walked over to her vendor booth to listen more.

Why space?
What kind of space?
What was the vision?

Her answer was clear and compelling:
She envisioned a space for chefs and food enthusiasts—a teaching kitchen, food demonstrations, and community-centered classes that blend culture, literacy, and nourishment.

By actively listening to her immediate need, I recognized an opportunity—not just for her business, but for strategic collaboration. I shared how Anaya Enterprises supports entrepreneurs and organizations by identifying assets, building partnerships, and connecting vision to sustainable resources. I encouraged her to reach out so we could explore pathways to make that space possible—through partnerships, shared-use models, or funding strategies.

Because sometimes the barrier isn’t lack of vision.
It’s lack of connection.

Turning Community Assets Into Opportunity

At Anaya Enterprises, we encourage entrepreneurs and organizations to lead with their assets and to network intentionally—especially when seeking physical space. Here are a few strategic approaches we often recommend:

* Build relationships with community centers
Privately owned or nonprofit spaces often offer more flexibility than government-owned properties.

* Engage community organizations and faith institutions
Multi-use buildings can become shared spaces when mutual benefit is clearly articulated.

* Research incubator and accelerator spaces
These environments reduce overhead while offering kitchens, meeting rooms, offices, and built-in networks.

* Connect with property and business owners
Vacant or underutilized land, storefronts, or rooms can become low-cost opportunities through collaboration.

* Explore community gardens and outdoor spaces
Seasonal, mission-aligned exchanges (classes in return for maintenance or harvest support) can be powerful and practical.

Leading Into 2026 With C.A.R.E.

Entrepreneurs do not grow in isolation.
Organizations do not thrive alone.
Impact requires community.

As we step into 2026, Anaya Enterprises challenges you to lead with C.A.R.E.—our justice-centered strategy that prioritizes Community, expands Access, applies Revolutionary approaches, and advances lasting Empowerment to strengthen collective impact.

Whether you are a nonprofit, entrepreneur, or community-based organization, you do not have to navigate growth alone.

Call to Action

If you are ready to turn your vision into funded, sustainable impact—or need strategic support to identify assets, secure partnerships, or scale your work—Anaya Enterprises is ready to work with you.

📩 Let’s collaborate:
Email: dr.staceybrown@thescholarshipguru.com
📲 Instagram: @dr.staceybrown

Community is the core. Let’s build—with C.A.R.E.