Usisahau News

We are going to emancipate ourselves from mental slavery, for though others may free the body, none but ourselves can free the mind. Mind is our only ruler.

Hon. Marcus M. Garvey

A Message to Our Beloved Community of Family and Friends

We are excited to share our plans to launch a legacy project during Black History Month in February 2025 and invite you to partner with us. The purpose is to tell the stories of our Black/African families and communities (our own stories) – our family histories - for future generations, lest they be forgotten. For this reason, the project is named “USISAHAU.” The word USISAHAU is SWAHILI in origin and loosely translated to mean “lest we forget.” There are many formats such conversations can take, including interviews, questions and answers, etc. Our goal this year, is to have at least 100 stories posted to this website.

We want to ensure that we share our stories across generations. Young and old should partake in these conversations about their family’s history. If we do not tell our stories in whatever form (e.g., video, music, etc.), they will likely be forgotten; or told by others who may distort the facts or downplay their importance. We must share the truth of all aspects of our story - the good, bad, and ugly. Through this Project, we hope to have a positive impact on individual families and the Black community as a whole.

Oral storytelling has been an important component of Black culture in Africa and the African diaspora. Embrace it with your own stories.

Remember USISAHAU!

Goulda A. Downer, PhD, CNS, FAND
Associate Professor/Center Director
Howard University College of Medicine

Telling our stories is a powerful way to bear witness, validate our ancestors, and give testimony to what we have been through, where we came from, where we are now and as equally importantly, share our knowledge with the next generation so they know their rich heritage and can cultivate a bountiful harvest of future generations. Remember, we are the ancestors in waiting. 

David O. Fakunle, Ph.D.
Morgan State University

Storytelling is not just a vehicle for being genuine and authentic, but it is the only way by which people can explain this thing called life. It allows us as humans to embrace that all we want is to be acknowledged, appreciated, respected, understood

Crystal M. James, JD, MPH
Vice-President Governmental Affairs & General Counsel
Tuskegee University

L. Zakiya Newland, PhD, LCSW
Convener, Black Family Summit, Inc. 

Our stories matter! They allow us to acknowledge the realities of our lived experiences. Storytelling embraces the oral tradition, honors our culture, and sustains Black families and communities. As we engage in this project, may we connect stronger and love deeper.

Suzanne Randolph Cunningham, PhD
The Hambrick-Strahan Family

"Until the lion and lioness tell their stories, the hunter will always be glorified."  Storytelling is in our DNA --honor your ancestors through this enduring legacy. Born in New Orleans, LA, USA

Baba Ayize Sabater, EdD
Black Montessori Education Fund

The Hon. Marcus Garvey famously wrote: “A people without knowledge of their past history, origin and culture is like a tree without roots.” Therefore, we are mounting an effort to ground our children in our roots and culture by telling our story! 

Barbara A. Simmons, JD/Esq
BA Simmons International, LLC

Storytelling by us through us will enable us to practice kujichagulia (self-determination). Storytelling can teach us who and whose we are. When we learn those lessons and join together, we will be unstoppable.