I Honor the Memories

I honor the memory 
of the peoples of the First Nations 
who since time immemorial strove 
to live in right relationship with this land, 
water, air, animals and resources.

I honor the memory 
of my African ancestors 
who lived before the continent was invaded 
by European crowns and assaulted 
by the moral turpitude 
of white supremacy, chattel slavery and colonialism.

I honor the memory 
of ancestors whose hearts, families 
and communities were shattered 
when those they loved were taken 
and never seen again.

I honor the memory 
of stolen ancestors 
who declared their bodily autonomy 
by giving their last breath 
to the Atlantic Ocean.

I honor the memory 
of ancestors who were kidnapped, 
stripped of their dignity and “imported” 
to exclusively build wealth for others.

I honor the memory 
of ancestors who struggled 
to survive the moral turpitude 
of the Transatlantic Middle Passage, 
perpetual chattel enslavement and white privilege.

I honor the memory 
of enslaved ancestors who 
in some way resisted the depravity thrust 
upon them aware of the consequences 
from mutilation to torture to death.

I honor the memory
of ancestors who found ways 
to affirm their dignity and integrity 
beyond the lies 
of the malicious dominant narrative.

I honor the memory 
of ancestors who secretly taught others 
the wisdom of Africa and 
how to survive on this land.

I honor the memory 
of ancestors who hoped and believed 
when there appeared 
to be no reason for hope or belief.

I honor the memory 
of ancestors who risked planting, 
nurturing and harvesting seeds 
of liberation.

I honor the memory 
of ancestors who learned how 
to survive.

I honor the memory 
of ancestors who chose 
to live another day.

I honor the memory 
of ancestors who 
encouraged others.

I honor the memories 
of the ancestors.