Social-emotional and behavioral strategies to improve school outcomes for Black males

Figures & data

Figure 1. Nguzo Saba principles & descriptions.

Nguzo Saba are the 7 defining principles of the African American holiday of Kwanzaa celebrated from December 26 to January 1 each year. Definitions of the 7 defining principles are provided by Hocker (2021). Red, green, and black colors denote the official colors of the holiday of the Kwanzaa. Red signifies the struggle of African people, Black signifies African people, and green represents the future of African people that comes from struggle (Official Kwanzaa Website, 2020).

Table 1. Seven principles of Nguzo Saba and possible SEL intervention components

Name of Nguzo Saba Principle	Examples of how Principles Could be Incorporated in SEL Interventions
Umoja (Unity): Efforts that seek to maintain unity in the family, community, or nation.	Engaging in activities where students would establish a collective expectation and vision for the SEL group. Establish shared language and values for the SEL group. Establish intentional opportunities for community-building through various activities (e.g., icebreakers, group-based learning, etc.)
Kujichagulia (Self-Determination): Defining and speaking for ourselves rather than being defined by or being spoke for by others.	Teaching about strategies to remain calm when faced with adversity and opportunities to practice strategies in SEL groups. Teaching about the importance of goal setting and incorporate activities where students set goals personally meaningful to them. Educating students on topics such as the school-to-prison pipeline, achievement gaps, discipline gaps.
Ujima (Collective Work & Responsibility): Working collectively to build up the community and solve problems.	Teaching students about responsibility to themselves, each other, and the Black community at-large. Teaching appropriate conflict resolution skills when problems arise within the SEL group and how strategies can be applied outside of the SEL group. Having students engage in mutual aid opportunities within their school or local community (e.g., school/community clean-up).
Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics): Supporting businesses and entrepreneurial efforts so communities can thrive.	Teaching students the importance of helping others in the community to overcome barriers and advance the Black community. Teaching students the importance of positive communication with other students and adults. Having students reflect on how their skills can help the community.
Nia (Purpose): Grounding work and collective efforts in the purpose of restoring traditional greatness.	Educating students on stereotypes of Black people and discussing exemplars of Black Americans who have persisted against racism and discrimination. Having students reflect on their personal and professional interests. Discussing the importance of education and having students explore their personal and career interests and how education can help them reach their goals.
Kuumba (Creativity): Generating beauty through creative and artistic endeavors that establishes mutual benefit to the community.	Teaching students about the history of Black Americans. Highlighting the contributions of Black men in the arts. Having students engage in artistic expression of their choice that represents what they’ve learned in the SEL group.
Imani (Faith): Having faith in community power to be resilient even during the struggle for justice.	Teaching students to be comfortable asking for help when faced with race-related stress from being a Black male. Having students establish a plan to seek help from individuals when they feel stressed. Having students think about individuals they can go to when in need.

Nguzo Saba are the 7 defining principles/values of the African American holiday of Kwanzaa celebrated from December 26 to January 1 each year founded by Dr. Maulana Karenga. SEL stands for social-emotional learning.

Hocker, K. (2021, December 21). The Nguzo Saba: Guiding principles for Kwanzaa and beyond. University of Rochester School of Nursing News and Events. https://son.rochester.edu/newsroom/2021/nguzo-saba-principles-for-kwanzaa.html

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Official Kwanzaa Website. (2020). The symbols of Kwanzaa. https://www.officialkwanzaawebsite.org/the-symbols.html

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