This past weekend I attended the wedding of a dear friend from college. As I celebrated with the bride, groom and their families, I was reminded of the importance of our ancestors in guiding our daily lives as well as keeping us mindful of all of their sacrifices.
My college schoolmate wed her soul mate this past Sunday in a ceremony that was a combination of Black American and Eritrean traditions. The bride and groom celebrated their union by jumping the broom and sweeping out the old, a time honored Black American tradition, as well as a traditional tea service and family dances to honor their Eritrean time honored traditions. As I celebrated with my old friends and new “family” members, I was overjoyed by the wealth of traditions passed down to our generation. Before the partying began, the families took time to acknowledge the various ancestors, known and unknown, who have protected the family and brought them thus far. Hearing this dedication filled me not only with a sense of pride, but a sense of protection. Which led me to remind myself, “If I am protected by my ancestors, nothing can stand in my way.”
As I watched my dear friend dance the night away looking stunning in her traditional Eritrean dress, I was so thankful to be in a space where I could literally feel ancestors from across continents blessing the couple, their family, and their friends as they joined their two communities as one.
I occasionally forget just how powerful our ancestors were and still are. It does not matter if I am acknowledging my ancestors from the United States, the Caribbean or the continent of Africa; I know they endured unspeakable and horrific circumstances. I know they sacrificed in unimaginable ways. I know some worked from can’t see in the morning until can’t see at night. I know many endured physical and emotional violence I cannot even fathom. Therefore, it was so heartwarming to be in a space that reminded me of the long lineage from which I descend.
As we enter into the holiday season, this is an ideal time to increase our mindfulness of the past. So much of the present day news has far too many people anxious (and somewhat afraid). So many people are filled with anxiety about the future. It is these times that we must remember our ancestors, this is the pivotal moment for which they have prepared us.
There were so many aunties and grannies at the wedding, I wish I could have spoken in-depth to them all. However, if you are one of the fortunate people who lives with someone who has lived a long life, ask them their stories and find out more. We have ancestors walking among us and we must honor them too.
Christina Greer, Ph.D., is an associate professor at Fordham University, the author of “Black Ethnics: Race, Immigration, and the Pursuit of the American Dream,” the co-host of the new podcast FAQ-NYC.