Architect of my Identity

Let's talk straight about what it means to take back what's rightfully ours - our identity, our history, our very essence that's been buried under years of oppression and whitewashed narratives. This isn't just about correcting a name or two; this is about a deep, spiritual pilgrimage back to the roots that nourished our ancestors' souls, digging through the rubble of colonization and systemic racism to reclaim the truth of who we are. It's about standing tall and saying, "I am the architect of my identity, not the society that seeks to define me by its prejudiced standards."

The act of naming, Chosen Ones, is our first battleground in this war of reclamation. It's not merely a label; it's a powerful echo of our ancestors' dreams, struggles, and triumphs. By choosing names that resonate with our African legacy, we stitch back the torn fabric of our history, piece by piece, asserting our presence and significance in a world that tried to erase us. It's our shout of defiance against a legacy of erasure and our way of honoring the giants whose shoulders we stand on.

Redefining who we are isn't about looking back in anger or nostalgia; it's about weaving a narrative so rich, so vibrant, that it speaks of the resilience, diversity, and genius that courses through our veins. It's about diving into the well of our collective memories, bringing to light the tales of empowerment and brilliance that have been overshadowed by tales of subjugation. We're not just survivors of a dark past; we're architects of a future where our stories shine with the brilliance of truth and the strength of our convictions.

Language is our weapon and our shield in this fight against cultural amnesia. It's the thread that connects us to the wisdom of our ancestors, a tool to decolonize our minds and challenge the narratives imposed on us. When we speak the tongue of our forebears, use their proverbs, and live by their philosophies, we're not just preserving our heritage; we're actively resisting the dilution of our culture and reasserting our place in the world.

Embrace "Sankofa," my family. It's not just about glancing backward; it's about drawing strength from our past to build a future where we can stand unapologetically proud, where our narratives are no longer footnotes in someone else's history book but chapters vibrant with our truth. In reclaiming our identity through the power of language, we're not just salvaging bits of our past; we're laying the foundation for a legacy that will empower generations to come, to live in their truth, sovereign and unbridled in their cultural expression.