I Want to Start a Movement: I See You, I Am with You
In some ways, we are all a part of a tribe. Tribes are defined divisions linked by social, economic, religious, or blood ties, with a common culture and/or dialect. Throughout history, conflicts between different tribes have led to many wars. I mention this for two reasons: 1) to help us understand our own loyalties, and 2) to comment on language. In the Zulu language, the greeting is one word, “Sawubona,” pronounced sow-boh-nah. It has a big meaning — “I/we see you,” “you are important to me,” and “I/we value you.” This greeting is intended to accept you as you are — with all of your virtues, nuances, and flaws.
To me, this word reflects our need for conversations around community participation and a meaningful life. We have a wide variety of experiences and roles at KenCrest, each doing our part for those with developmental disabilities and young children in Philadelphia. We have already had three town hall conversations and multiple meetings about what people’s needs are, what options we would like to develop, and what we might do next. All these ideas and conversations have been not only necessary but invaluable to the work we do.
We still need to build a response to the needs of the people we support, and the response of Sawubona is the perfect answer. “Ngikona,” pronounced na-gee-ka-nah, which means “I/we are here.” Like Sawubona, this too is a small word with a big meaning; it affirms that we are together in this. We have reason to learn from each other, to speak peacefully together, and move together in harmony. As we move together, we value our history at KenCrest, celebrate what we have done, and set a new course together.
Again, consider the challenges experienced by tribes — the social divisions, different traditions, cultures, etc. While at times we may see ourselves as different tribes for one reason or another, we are not. We have one mission, which was beautifully shared by one of our fellow team members when he said “We have one mission: To help people live the lives that they desire, and to work toward making sure we all have the same opportunities to pursue a life of happiness.” At KenCrest, we are separated from each other through programs, residences, states, positions, titles, and backgrounds. This makes it hard for us to meet often and discuss our common interest — those we support.
As we move through the pandemic, we can learn much from the words “Sawubona” and “Ngikona,” and once again renew our sense of mission — the WHY behind our work, social justice, and equal opportunity for the people we support and to each other as one tribe.
