Healing Our Timelines: The Importance of Black History

Every Sunday during Black History Month my church sings Lift Ev'ry Voice and Sing, the Black National Anthem. Without fail, I become emotional during the last verse, "May we forever stand, True to our God, True to our native land." Just recently I began to analyze why I become emotional.

These words resound, a sacred invocation that serves as both a tribute and a lament. The verse is more than lyrics; it's an emotional declaration etched in the historical record marked by struggle, and resilience. It signifies an unwavering commitment to a heritage severed from its roots, a poignant acknowledgment that Black people were forced to sever from their connection to their land and people.

As a death doula, I've borne witness to the final chapters of many Black lives, and in those sacred moments, I've observed a profound connection to the ancestral realm. Dying patients have seen their ancestors, spoken to them as if they were sitting in the room. It's a poignant reminder that ancestry and the knowledge of one's past define us in profound ways.

Ancestry is more than a collection of names and dates; it is the thread that weaves the tapestry of identity. Black history is a sanctuary where the past is acknowledged, and the reality of the pain and trauma faced by Black people in America is laid bare. It is a painful exploration, an emotional reckoning with a history that bears the scars of enslavement and systemic oppression.

Yet, within the pain, there exists a profound healing process. Black history is a testament to the fact that there was a rich tapestry of knowledge, culture, language, and culinary traditions that predated the chains of enslavement. It is an affirmation of resilience, a celebration of the beauty that persisted even during the darkest chapters of history.

In honoring Black history, we reclaim narratives, weaving a tapestry of stories that transcend generations. It's an act of collective healing—a process that acknowledges the pain, celebrates the triumphs, and embraces the truth that Black history is an integral part of the American story. It is a story that must be told, remembered, and shared, for in the understanding of the past lies the foundation for a more compassionate and just future.

#sankofa #communalhealing #healingjustice #racialequity #racialjustice

________________________________________

Natasha is an award winning racial equity practitioner and philanthropist. She provides community and heart-centered conversations and experiential learning opportunities to help leaders and organizations understand, embrace and embody racial equity.