The document outlines 12 secrets of Black life according to Haki Madhabuti. The secrets are: 1) developing self-knowledge, 2) being family-oriented, 3) engaging in community life, 4) avoiding stress, 5) developing critical thinking skills, 6) exercising discipline, 7) having a personal health plan, 8) engaging in a spiritual search, 9) interacting with culture, 10) becoming self-reliant and ambitious, 11) being creative, and 12) adapting to change. The overarching message is that these "secrets" provide guidance for living fulfilling lives and empowering Black communities.

1. 12 Secrets of Black life
Haki Madhabuti
Cashain David
Open Day - May 1999

2. 1. Self Knowledge
The Ethiopian's say, ‘a cat may go to a
monastery, but she still remains a cat’
Knowing oneself is the key to
understanding and knowing others.
The more a person understands his or
her mind and body, the less they will try
to destroy it.

3. 2. Be family orientated
‘..living is worthless for one without a
home’
Every individual needs loving people in his
or her life.
People are shaped by other people and
culture. We learn self-love and self-worth
in functional families.
The one thing that oppressed people
cannot to do without is is family.

4. 3. Engage in Community life
Communities are not possible without
families, and families are strengthened by
community based institutions
The major function of a working community is
to make the lives of all it’s residents liveable
and enjoyable.
Like the trees of the forest; when a
community fails the residents are in trouble.

5. 4. Avoid Stress
Most people worry too much about
things that they cannot change.
Slow down.
Seek quality rather than quantity
Be more selective about the people with
whom one forms friendships
Share love

6. 5. Develop critical thinking
It has become easier to believe than
think.
people who think critically about the
world are doers, problem solvers.
They are always looking for better
answers.

7. 6. Exercise discipline
Knowing when to say no and knowing
ones own limitations is critical to self-
discipline.
Part of the discipline process is to
separate desires from needs and
prioritise ones life

8. 7. Personal health plan
Mind and body are connected; each
person must have a program that will
keep him or her healthy.
Here are some examples; Walk when
possible, cycle, swim, visit the gym, eat
with moderation

9. 8. Spiritual search
Always seek the answers to the
reasons for life. The religion one
practices is not as important as the
practice itself.
Seek a way of life that is non-conflictual
and protective. Study all spiritual paths.

10. 9. Cultural Interaction
Become more involved in our cultural
celebrations. Kwaanza (Dec 26th - Jan
1st), Martin Luther King, Malcolm X and
Marcus Garvey birthday celebrations.
The major point is that all people, if they
are to be themselves, must be
surrounded and submersed in one’s
own culture.

11. 10. Self reliance and ambition
Become more self-reliant in economics,
politics and education.
We can not continuously depend on
former slave masters and their allies to
aid Black people.
Prepare your children to start, operate
and succeed in their own businesses.

12. 11. Be Creative
Enjoy life and do what brings you
happiness.
If you do not have a hobby or art in
which you partake, think about learning
something new.
we often find ourselves through our
creativity.

13. 12. Adapting to Change
The world is a far different world than it
was 100, 50 or 30 yrs ago.
Learn to be adaptable to change, to see
change coming and initiate change.
Be ready to take your / our destiny in
your hands. As the Nigerians say ‘ the
bird flies high but always returns to
earth’.