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, April 11, 2013

CELEBRATING OUR CONNECTION: The Annual Ancestor Celebration on Juneteenth

There was no plan that our Ancestors made in the past that made the occurrence of certain experiences common to all of us as African descendants in varied locations. The plan would have to  have been a divine one that then has made the observation of certain special days in history meaningful to African descendants around the diaspora and on the continent as well. Even though specific dates may differ, the important thing is that we can relate to these events and have common reasons to celebrate.

The selection of the June 16th weekend - celebrated in the United States as "Juneteenth" - for this year's Annual Ancestor Celebration is quite appropriate because of the significance of that celebration in the history of African descendants in the US. June 19th, 1865 is the date when the enslaved who should have long been free from slavery finally received official word that they were no longer to be kept in captivity and forced to work without compensation. It was then that our Ancestors in the US could finally walk away - without looking back and without overwhelming fear of re-capture - from the plantations that held such harsh memories of life under the oppressive watch and whip of slave owners. This was freedom day at last!

In other parts of the Americas and the Caribbean, emancipation occurred at different times. But the emotions felt, the glee, the jumps for joy and even the anxiety were certainly familiar to many of our Ancestors. They may not have known each other and the details of their experiences may not have been the same but they could surely relate to each other one way or another. They knew what oppression felt like. They knew the desire to be free. They knew anger, frustration, hope and determination. No matter where they were and what their circumstances, they were connected to each other.

So, this year we gather as African descendants at 337 Dargan Place SW, Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, June 16, 2013 to celebrate our oneness as Africans through our Ancestors. Their accomplishments and their triumphs over adversary have contributed to the life we enjoy today. They have given us so much to be grateful for and proud of. It is surely time to celebrate!

3 comments:

  1. It sure is Ifasina! Celebrate with prayers, songs and dances. Celebrate with each other far and near. Be joyful. Be at peace. Be at one. Giving thanks and praise always....... Ire-Oooooo.

    Ife.

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  2. Well said, Ifasina! Thank you!

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  3. E se pupo Ifasina and Orisagbemi!

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