Today's Kwanzaa value is Cooperative Economics. This means economic self determination- creating one's own shops, and industries. This value is close to my heart as an independent businesswoman. I love independent businesses, as each one represents a person taking control of their economic destiny. Not to mention, independent businesses can improve the economic health of a community- the big companies can pull out of the area without a second thought, but small businesses are more committed to community. This is especially important for ethnic minority communities as being able to produce things for themselves gives them economic freedom, and the ability to bring their perspective into the marketplace.