Give thanks....

After all these years of not celebrating thankgiving... feeling uneasy about the positioning of Native Americans in the whole scheme of the helladay. I admit I do reminisce about days gone by with my granny and a time when folks was all living. When everyone lived nearby and neighbors were welcome to our table, anytime. There was always enough to share. I enjoy the social aspect of breaking bread. Anybody that knows me, knows that I am always down to break bread. In fact; its a requirement to be all up in my circle. If we haven't broken bread, had a dranky drank or plucked a chicken together...well we ain't all that close. (we should link up soon!) I appreciate every opportunity to gather with friends and loved ones to laugh, pray, hug, reminisce and speak on what and why we are thankful.


 How often do we really do what our grandparents required and made sure of, at least once a week? Sunday Dinner! Having a meal together on a Sunday afternoon was a special tradition, in many of our families. We are so far away from our family traditions that these 'given days off' are just what we need to rekindle what we have long forgotten. Now, there is much to be debated about a day off to indulge in the commercialization of a so-called 'holy-day' and the atrocities associated with it. I do believe that anyday that we make time out of the hustle and bustle of this society to actually sit down together with family and friends; is a good day.

"Misgiving day the celebration of horrors." -Dr. Ishakamusa Barashango

 So we have to always think of ways to reframe and redefine the way we acknowledge and celebrate around euro centric holidays. Reverend Dr. Ishakmusa Barashango(Afrikan People and European Holidays: A Mental Genocide) really gives alot of perspective on how we must always seek to operate from an African perspective. That once we know the truth, it's very hard to celebrate a lie. I won't go on and on, though I have made sure that my daughter has a historical basis on which to choose; to either participate, celebrate or refrain from it altogether. She has an idea of who the so-called pilgrims and the Native American people are, plus she has her own opinion of what this day means.  Especially since she has experienced it differently since day one. She certainly has  disassociated it from the myth. She knows the importance of family and why it is important to give thanks everyday!


Even the least conscious of us don't buy the story of the pilgrims and their generous 'exchange' with Native peoples.We have long self-defined our holiday "celebrations". African people by and large do what Dr. Wade Nobles calls "creating tradition". This is something you can do without a whole lot of discussion, although it is good to have some discussion. As the discussion will memorialize the act thereby creating something to share and pass on to others. Allowing your children to assist in this creation is critical, as they are the bearers of that tradition and must take ownership of it. So get into it and begin creating with your children a tradition they can be proud to perpetuate. A tradition based on truth, something they will hold on to and not compromise. Share with them the past and allow them to contribute to your future familial traditions. Make sure they are able to tell their own story.

So as we 'celebrate'(any helladay) keep in mind:

"Power is the ability to define reality and have others respond to your definition as if it were their own(if we don't have others respond to our definition they will always have power over us.)"

"Who's victory are we celebrating?"

 

Something extra:

 

Check out October 2nd and November 22nd in Acts of Faith by Iyanla Van Zant. About giving thanks and welcoming the flow of abundance.