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A people without the knowledge of their past history, origin and culture is like a tree without roots.
A people without the knowledge of their past history, origin and culture is like a tree without roots.
The Rt. Hon. Marcus M. Garvey
The Rt. Hon. Marcus M. Garvey
When the roots are deep, there is no reason to fear the wind.
When the roots are deep, there is no reason to fear the wind.
African Proverb
African Proverb
Therefore, my beloved, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.
Therefore, my beloved, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.
Corinthians 15:58
Corinthians 15:58
August is known for “back to school” efforts and for “liberation,” particularly where liberation is promoted in a movement known as “Black August.” Some might be asking...what is #BlackAugust and I’m glad for that question. Black August is a month-long commemoration of the Black freedom struggle and sacrifices of Black freedom soldiers (like George Jackson, Nanny of the Jamaican maroons, Denmark Vessey, Amy Ashwood Garvey, etc.). This commemoration began in the 1970s in the California penal system as a way to remember the sacrifice of Black political prisoners, particularly Jonathan and George Jackson. A comrade of revolutionary organizer George Jackson, Doc Holiday, who is a long-distance Black freedom soldier said:
This summer, I had the privilege of making a pilgrimage to Ghana, where I explored and learned about the historic Cape Coast Castle and Elmina Castle. I walked the ancestral path to the Assin Manso Slave River, a deeply significant site where our enslaved ancestors took their final bath. From there, they were often branded with hot irons as a means of identification, then transported to the Cape Coast and Elmina Castle dungeons—key hubs in the harrowing transatlantic slave trade.
Standing in the dungeons, I tried to imagine the agony of leaving the overcrowded dungeons to be packed into overloaded ships—subjected to disease, starvation, abuse, and death. The air in the dungeons was heavy with the echoes of pain and the smell of suffering. For those who survived the voyage, life brought brutal labor regimes on plantations, systemic violence, and the erasure of their cultural identities.
Our continued presence and thriving spirit stand as a testament to the resilience, strength, and enduring legacy of our ancestors. We honor them—not only for the gift of life—but for the wisdom, courage, and hope they passed down. And as we walk forward, we do so knowing that one day, we too will be the ancestors.
Ancestor Appreciation Day is celebrated on September 27th. It is a day dedicated to exploring and honoring your family history, connecting with relatives, reflecting on family heritage, and celebrating the contributions of past generations.
As you take this time to reflect on your heritage and, with gratitude, acknowledge the values, traditions, and lessons passed down through your family, use this time to spend the day with your family members. You are encouraged to add your ideas to those below and share widely with others.
Explore your family history and collect memorabilia-- photos, clothing, keepsakes, etc.-- about them, then share the information you obtain with family members.
Reach out to and spend time with older family members and learn about your family members’ experiences, along with the memories and stories of your past generations.
Use the information you have collected to create a family record along with a tribute.
Visit locations where family members lived or currently live, worked, worship, frequent or are buried.
Encourage family members to share stories and memories of past generations.
Create and display a memorial or tribute to honor your ancestors at regular intervals.
Share your family’s stories widely and feel free to enjoy them every day.
Prostate Cancer Awareness Month. Prostate Cancer is the most common non-skin cancer in men and is a critical health issue, especially for older men and African American men. Thanks to early detection and treatment and breakthrough cancer research, cancer mortality will be decreased, and lives saved. During this month, it is time to raise awareness, educate men about the risks and symptoms, encourage regular screenings and early detection, and support research and advancements in treatment. Prostate Cancer Awareness Month is observed annually in September, and the goal is to empower men to take care of their prostate health.
World Dense Breast Day is recognized on the last Wednesday in September. Research indicates that Black women are more likely to have denser breast tissue than Hispanic or White women. An ultrasound or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may find cancers not seen on a mammogram in a woman who has dense breasts. Unfortunately, information about a woman’s breast density and other screening options is not always provided after a mammogram. Women should always talk to their health care provider about any additional tests available to them. The day, brought to you by DenseBreast-info.org, is the world's leading resource on the topic and features educational resources for both women and health care providers. The day also encourages everyone to have conversations and share educational material on the topic of dense breasts.
Be sure to share these days on social media!
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