Connecting with Ancestors: A Personal Journey Through Heritage

A rich tapestry of cultural practices and family histories wove through the fabric of the African diaspora. The journey of connecting with our ancestors is as varied as it is profound. For many, it involves restoring truths that have been hidden by the shadows of colonization and religious indoctrination. As someone who delves into the past, I want to share my personal experience in reconnecting with my ancestral roots and how it has shaped my understanding of heritage.

Decolonizing Our Understanding

It is important to acknowledge that a significant part of the African diaspora has been brainwashed and indoctrinated with misconceptions about their own culture and traditions. These teachings often depict African practices and beliefs as demonic, in direct conflict with the dominant religious narratives. This is a troubling trick of colonial and missionary forces, designed to marginalize and subjugate. It is crucial to understand that just because something is unfamiliar, it does not automatically make it demonic. The true demonic is found in the violent persecution of others for their beliefs, exploitation and manipulation of poverty, and the commodification of spiritual practices for personal gain.

My ancestors, such as my Revolutionary War ancestor Adam Philips Phillips, were ordinary people who practiced their own traditions and beliefs with reverence and respect. I honor them by not only preserving their stories but also engaging with their spiritual practices in a meaningful way. Honoring my ancestors does not mean worshiping them, but rather connecting with them through acts of remembrance, storytelling, and offering. While I do not worship any Orishas, I do engage with them through the guidance of an Orisha priestess, who helps me to commune with their wisdom and energy.

Tracing My Ancestors Through History

One of the most profound ways to connect with one's ancestors is through writing their biographies and exploring their lives through historical documents. This not only preserves their memory but also fills in the gaps of the historical narrative that often leaves out the voices of the marginalized.

Consider the case of Adam Philips Phillips, who lived a life rich with historical context and personal trials. Born in Frederick County, Maryland, in 1762, Adam's family moved frequently due to environmental factors and economic pressures. The Tobacco Inspection Act of 1747 helped to ensure high tobacco prices, but by 1770 the act expired, and the population surged, leading to the family's relocation to Western North Carolina.

The Revolutionary War years saw significant upheaval, and Adam served in the Battle of Cowan's Ford in 1781. After the war, he married and began a new life in Rowan County, NC, where he took on the trade of a shoemaker and raised a family. His journey continued as he and his descendants moved to various locations, including Wilkes County, Georgia; Montgomery County, North Carolina; and Buncombe County, North Carolina.

The late stages of Adam's life saw him living in homeliest conditions and working hard to provide for his family. He was a member of the Methodist Church for over 40 years and was respected as a schoolmaster. His contributions to his community are remembered fondly, and his legacy is celebrated in the narrative of his descendant's diary entry.

Preserving and Understanding Our Heritage

The stories of our ancestors are not only historical documents but also living, breathing records of our cultural and spiritual heritage. By writing their biographies, we can not only honor their memory but also ensure that their experiences and teachings continue to be a source of guidance and inspiration.

The process of exploring our ancestry is not just about finding facts; it is about understanding the context and significance of those facts within our broader narrative as people of African descent. It is about reclaiming our heritage and understanding the resilience and strength of our ancestors, which have shaped who we are today.

My ancestors taught me that we are not separate from our ancestors but are part of a living lineage that continues to shape us. By engaging with these stories, I am not just preserving the past; I am ensuring that our cultural and spiritual traditions continue to thrive.

Conclusion

Connecting with our ancestors is a deeply personal and meaningful journey. It involves untangling decades of misinformation and reconnecting with the traditions and beliefs of our ancestors. By honoring their stories and understanding their lives, we can better understand ourselves and our place in the world today.

Through the biographies of individuals like Adam Philips Phillips, we can gain a richer appreciation for the historical context of our lives. This understanding is vital for preserving our cultural traditions and ensuring that our ancestors continue to inspire and guide us.