Ancestral Intelligence: Rooted in Resistance

A quote that is often used to reflect our reverence for those who have gone before us is: I am my ancestor’s wildest dreams. Have you all heard that before? We know OUR ancestors dreamed of silence that wasn’t survival, of speaking without watching words become nooses, of rest, of love that didn’t have to endure suffering. And while we admit, we may not be their wildest dream, we strive to be their answered prayer. Proof that their labor was not in vain with the ability to walk freely, understanding that freedom is never free. Our freedom has a name, a body, a soul that bent but never broke. What did your ancestors endure for you to exist in this present moment? And, how are you creating a path for those who will come after you?

We are living in times that they say are “unprecedented”, but WE have been here before. Because of WHO we come from, we know we possess a power that cannot be contained. THIS is a call for you to step into that power, knowing that where there is power there is resistance.

So, we implore you to get involved, informed and intentional about our rights and our freedom.

And while there are many ways to do so, we offer the following:

· Be sure to register to vote, but also help register others. Vote in every election and take someone with you; every election matters and helps to determine how we are able move through the world. We see that now more than ever. You’ve heard many times that someone died for the right to vote, and they did. Let it not be in vain.

· Learn how to navigate systems and advocate for your community. To assist in this endeavor, we will be hosting the 2nd Annual Advocacy Day at City Hall in April. You will have the opportunity to learn from those who have successfully put advocacy into action. There is information about Advocacy Day available at the front table.

· And lastly: Build:…families, gardens, businesses, organizations, community. Connect with others and work towards a common goal. Ignore the class, gender, and religious restrictions that kept you from engaging with those unlike you, for we all have something meaningful to add. Our strength is recognizing that We go further together.

We BELIEVE that action is movement, while words are wind. Let us hold true and be about action. Let THIS be the movement. Let us — all together — answer our ancestors’ prayers.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.