About Usisahau

Our Why

Watch and listen as our founders and friends share why USISAHAU is important these days more than ever.

We know our Black tradition of storytelling as a vibrant, central, and rich part of our culture that passes on knowledge through the ages. Each generation has directly or indirectly called on the strength of our ancestors. As such, our Black stories must continue to be told; and truthfully. 

Storytelling is a way to write on the hearts and minds of every generation, those present and those to come, and in so doing celebrate the indomitable spirit and resilience of our people. For this engagement, the elders in our families and communities are called upon to actively share what they know about the legacy that was left behind for us to cherish and what they have experienced. Our young people are asked to share the stories of their lives and their experiences.  This intergenerational exchange is expected to build stronger bonds for us to carry on the gifts of our ancestors and embrace our legacy. This is important since as keepers of our family and community’s history and traditions, we too have a responsibility to preserve the principles and values of our ancestors. After all, one day we will be the ancestors.

Rich in the history of empowering the generations, we invite families, communities, and organizations nationwide to play a key role in advancing this effort.  February 1, 2025, marks the first year in the USISAHAU (lest we forget forget) - Telling Our Stories Across Generations activities.

What We Believe

Black History Month is one of the times best positioned to serve as a trusted platform to support and advocate for our USISAHAU (lest we forget).

Telling Our Stories Across Generations activities. This dedicated effort is, created to honors all Black people from all periods of U.S. history. It acknowledges and celebrates the contributions and achievements of Black Americans in shaping the culture of the United States despite the burdensome challenges and struggles endured. 

Preserving our history, traditions, and experiences, by having our elders pass down the stories of our ancestors' struggles while simultaneously having our young people share their experiences can serve to foster deep connection between generations.  Intergenerational exchange can help strengthen family bonds and bridge generational gaps as knowledge and traditions are passed on.   

Our Goal

• The goal of USISAHAU is to have 100 members of the Black community share their stories and post them to our website this year. 

• USISAHAU is dedicated to supporting members of our Black community tell their stories and have it preserved on our website.

• USISAHAU welcomes all as we focus on empowering people to talk with family and loved ones about their family histories.

• USISAHAU  activities will occur throughout the month of February as we celebrate Black History Month.

Call to Action

• Promote or host USISAHAU activities within your family or community, and organization.

• Promote or host a USISAHAU time.

• Share your activity with us by posting it to our website at usisahau.org.

• Promote or host a virtual question and answer session with family or community elders and youth. Be sure to includde your elders and youth.

Who We Are

Special thanks to John Richards, friend of USISAHAU and fellow storyteller/website developer. Our Creative Developer who believes the spirit inside of us is so much more than we can see -- and works to make this spirit visible on our website.

"My family is full of storytellers. Now that the older generation is gone, it's our turn to keep the tales of our struggles, triumphs, loves, and losses alive.  We do this to honor those who went before and as a promise to those to come. Touch magic, pass it on."

Disclaimer

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