Ancestral Memory: Reclaiming Rites of Passage

SANKOFA W’ONKYIR

Ancestral Memory...we once had rites of passage for every age group - not just those entering womanhood/manhood. With those rites, knowledge and wisdom was passed forward through song, poems, dances and other mystic/crucial rituals. During this process there were also affirmations for members. Today, I challenge each of you to ‘Sankofa w’onkyir’ ("It is not wrong to go back for that which you have forgotten"). This proverb implores people of African descent to reach back to ancient history for traditions and customs that have been left behind.

In the conscious absence of this wisdom from the hegemonic culture, take time today to embrace and recite your age group's affirmation for the month of July. Sustaining ourselves lends to a collective commitment and ties to our extended family/network.

It is this memory of who we are, what we have done, how we have lived in harmony with mother earth and each other by taking that which is needed, giving back to restore balance and being mindful of our actions for seven generations to come. This guides our work - this guides our decisions - this guides our process.