Who We Are

Who We Are: "We are a collaboration of families of African Traditional practitioners coming together to venerate our Ancestors for the perpetual healing of our communities."

About our favicon: Fawohodie, an adinkra symbol meaning the "symbol of independence, freedom, emancipation". From the expression: Fawodhodie ene obre na enam. Literal translation:
"Independence comes with its responsibilities."

Thursday, February 28, 2013

Because of Them We Celebrate: One Month, One Day, Every Day

The month of February is the shortest month of the year but it is observed yearly as African-American History Month. It is one deliberate effort at remembering the experiences - challenges overcome, achievements made, battles won, tears and blood shed - that our Ancestors endured so that we could be here enjoying things that may seem mundane now but that were denied us back then.  Is it sufficient, this one month of remembrance and celebration? Does it succeed in taking us, African descendants, back to way back where we came from - not "up from slavery" but "down from the pyramids?"

Measuring this success or failure may be difficult. We could never know all efforts made to remember our Ancestors or to forget them - some people actually do that. We can remain encouraged, though, that each year this month is observed and celebrated. Many a class discussion is held talking about our Ancestors' struggles and successes. Many events are held acknowledging the contributions of key individuals who took action on our behalf at the sacrifice of their lives.  Many documentaries and films are shown that are recreations of our Ancestors' rich and powerful stories. And all who participate or benefit from these efforts form a percentage of the success of this month of remembrance and celebration.

It is a month celebrated annually in a place, the United States of America. In other places, it is months or an entire year dedicated to Ancestors. In yet other places, it is every day that Ancestors are remembered and revered. However long it is though, and whatever form it takes, it is a celebration of those whose existence in the past has made our existence now possible.  For that fact alone we owe our Ancestors gratitude and we have much to celebrate whether it be one month, one day or every single day.