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It is noteworthy that you probably should be honoring the ancestors all year long, but for this blog, I want to make this simple... Here are five great ways you can honor your ancestors during Black History Month. Become your family's very own Griot. A Griot is a West African historian, storyteller, praise singer, and poet. Basically, become your families historian.
1. Interview Your Elders - When is the last time you spoke with your grandmother, grandfather, or your great uncle? Don't leave valuable information on the table when it comes to your own family's history. Sitting in that recliner is someone who has lived through the very things you read about in your history books. So, grab a recorder and notepad, and learn about your history.
2. Visit Your States National Archives - Every state has a National Archives packed with information about the citizens and stories from times gone by. After you've interviewed your family's elders, take your notes to the archive and try to connect some of the times and locations with the information you've discovered.
3. Log in to Ancestry - Leverage genealogy websites like ancestry.com to search for marriage, military, death, and census records. Additionally, these tools can be used to link up with other Black families, who you probably share a bloodline or at even former slave plantations.
4. African Ancestry - Now that you've gotten as much as you can on your family's history from the Americas, begin tracing your family's roots pre-transatlantic slave trade. However, this becomes a much more difficult, if not just short of impossible, task. At this point, your next best option may be to collect a DNA sample. Agencies like African Ancestry provide detailed information about tribes that your bloodline would have come from.
5. Make A Book - Now that you compiled your family story, documents, photos, and DNA linneage, it's time to compile it all together in one complete document. This is the perfect gift for any family member, family reunion, or even Christmas. Lastly, sit down with your children and the kids in your own family and share your dynamic and triumphant Black story!
Dr. Jay Bush is an author/speaker, educator and philanthropist who helps individuals and communities "Find the Motivation to Win." Dr. Bush is committed to walking in his courageous ancestors' footsteps – paving a path that uplifts others through healthcare awareness and education. He is a decorated military veteran, sought-after speaker and educator, and an author. In addition, he is the Founder and Executive Director of The Lizzie Porter Foundation. Learn more at DrJayBush.com.