On this the second day of Kwanzaa, the   principle of self-determination, kuchijagulia, is celebrated. Today we affirm our   determination to create, name and define our lives for ourselves, instead of allowing others to do this for   us.

The mind rules the body. To the extent that the mind is conquered, the body   follows. Psychological warfare is a potent form of combat. Propaganda is information, often masked   as entertainment, that attempts to elicit a specific behavior. The message of the Spike Lee film,   "Do the Right Thing", is self-determination. It’s theme song "Don’t Believe the Hype" warns us not to   fall for propaganda.

 Television is a potent tool of propaganda. To the extent that we ignore the   images it projects into our minds, and go our own way, we practice kuchijagulia. Our young people who   stay in school, avoid drugs and alcohol, and stay away from crime, are practicing self-determination in   the face of the media’s determined propaganda onslaught.

Martin Luther King, in criticizing the war in Viet Nam, even though it cost   him his government support, and put his life in jeopardy, practiced kujichagulia. Muhammad Ali, in refusing to   be drafted, and thereby becoming a propaganda tool for the government to use to enlist Black soldiers in the   War in Viet Nam, practiced self-determination. It cost him the title, and the right to fight for four   years in his prime, but Ali never flinched.

Queen N’Zinga of Angola, when many other rulers traded their captives to the   Portuguese, firmly refused to do so. When the Portuguese joined forces with their African allies to bring her   into line, still she refused, and waged war against them both.

Accompong Nanny, was a leader of the Maroons, and is today honored as a   National Hero of Jamaica. For many years, she fearlessly led her African warriors in countless battles   against the British thereby winning, and ensuring, the independence of her people up until today. All of these men   and women embody the principle of Self-Determination, Kujichagulia!