Black, Afrikan, Human (Synonymous) Culture

One of our biggest challenges as a people in our advancement and healing is the loss of culture. Culture is how we live, cook, talk, raise our children, interact with each other, wear our hair, think, celebrate, share resources, express ourselves and operate in every aspect of life.  Denying us our right to exist freely and be self-determining remains a key element in our systematic oppression.  Without getting too too  deep into the history of our systematic oppression: I’ll say that for over 6 thousand years our lands have been invaded (globally), resources stolen, culture suppressed, and  our people abused.  In order for us to heal, advance, rebuild and live freely we must understand the things that come from us naturally (since most of them  or belittled and shunned by the dominating culture of the current world) and learn to embraces them.  Without us having full knowledge of our history or early cultures, we continue our legacy in our homes, families, communities, relationships and life. Though our culture has been stripped from us we continue to hold on consciously, innately and unconsciously to the core things that keep us Black, Afrikan, human.

Core things of our Black, Afrikan, human cultures:

Matrilineal social structure: We treat women with respect and honor. Women run the affairs of the homes and society.  We can still see that in our homes and communities today.

Collective, connective trusting:  We are loving, kind, giving, trusting, social people naturally.  We consider others and work to make sure everyone is “straight, cool, good, aight, taken care of”.   We want others to succeed and we work together as much as possible.

Holistic and Ecological: We are concerned about nature and other living things. We recycle, reuse, share, and work not to cause harm.  We believe everything has the right to live and exist freely

Soulful and lively:  We have soul!  We are colorful, expressive, vibrant, sensitive, rhythmic, loud, boisterous, fun, energetic, and  amazing people.  We do everything with style.

Proud and respectful:  Say it loud…  We are confident, self-assured, and  love ourselves. We treat people with respect whether we know them or not.  We take pride in the things we do.

Intuitive and spirit-based:  We have a deep connection to the invisible world no matter what our religion or spiritual practices are. We are feeling  people who are able to sense things beyond what we see, hear, touch, taste and feel.

 

This is not by any means an exhaustive list, in fact it is just the tip of our iceberg.  This is, however , what is natural and normal to our people all over the world.  If we really pay attention, we can see all these things in each of us despite our state of being.  

Challenge:  Look at your life, family, friends, community and point out how these show up. Post below or just keep it in mind.

(For example “My grandmother ran the house, My family has always had a garden, If the vibe aint right I can tell….)

                 

Asante Sana Dr. Worth Hayes for your invaluable input