“Bringing the gifts that my ancestors gave, I am the dream and the hope of the slave. I rise. I rise. I rise.”
— Maya Angelou
In some African cultures, as in many communities in the African Diaspora, ancestors play an important role. Ancestors are honored and are assumed to guard and guide posterity. During slavery, the enslaved were forbidden from performing such rites and prayers related to their ancestors.
Today we remember our ancestors who have struggled, those who perished, and those of us who have thrived despite centuries of enslavement, colonialism, and systemic racism. Let us remember that our heritage is our light. The wisdom and traditions of our inheritance illuminate our present. Lighting a candle represents the passing of this flame from our ancestors to us.
TODAY’S PRACTICE
Light a candle and perform an ancestral prayer. You can use the prayer below:
“My uplifted Ancestors, guides, fierce protectors and skilled healers.
Please stand with us, your children.
Be with us in this moment and guide us
along the road with a cool head and a clear mind. We are root of your root, soil of your soil,
bone of your bone, and blood of your blood. Hearing our sincere cries and our honest placations, keep the gifts of health, wealth, and prosperity close so that we may honor and grow your legacy.
We have not forgotten our commitment to our lineage, and we vow to never forget.
Thank you.”
Reflect in your journal: What's the most important gift your ancestors passed on to you?
CALLS TO ACTION
SIGN UP HERE to join us February 18th at 7:30 pm ET to learn how to practice Liberation Table—a space to reflect, connect, and build something meaningful together. Liberation Table is a tradition for Black people of the African Diaspora—an opportunity to gather with friends and family over a meal with African diasporic roots. Register here.
CHECK OUT The Story of Us, “The New McCarthyism: Why Authoritarians Fear Storytellers” moderated by AAPF executive director Kimberlé Crenshaw and featuring Ava DuVernay, Viet Thanh Nguyen, and Jacqueline Stewart. Featuring powerful artivism performances by two-time Tony Award winner Kara Young, Tony-nominated, Jon Michael Hill, and Theater and Africana Studies professor, Justin Emeka. Also, check out the Director's Cut from the event.
ADD the 2026 Google Liberation Calendar to your own calendar.
JOIN our WhatsApp community to engage w/ fellow participants!
DOWNLOAD the Liberation Table Guide.