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Conservatism, Reaction, and the Elder's Responsibility: A Message to My Age Grade

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Conservatism, Reaction, and the Elder's Responsibility: A Message to My Age Grade Great Day, Fam. This one right here? It’s not for everyone. If you’re not at or approaching Eldership—defined in our tribe as about 55 years old and up—you might not feel all of this. But if you’re curious, or if you’re one of those younger souls already walking with wisdom, you’re welcome to keep reading. This message is for the Elders. For those of us who should know better. And yes—I’m including myself. Let’s Start With the Mirror I’ve got to confess something. I’ve been guilty. Guilty of being reactionary. Guilty of falling into the trap of conservatism. Guilty of romanticizing the past. Guilty of looking at our young people and calling them “soft”—as if we were born warriors, as if we didn’t have to become who we are through fire, failure, and guidance. Many of us Elders are stuck in a loop. We remember only the highlights of our youth—the toughest times we survived, the boldest moments ...
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Courageously Bearing Nia

Great Nia:

I was out yesterday with the Gye-Nyame girls, because Gina wanted to take a walk in the woods ( I will attach pics). She actually wanted us to go out after dark, and go for a hike. I personally was not with that yet. I have noticed more and more tents around some wooded areas and I don't want to get caught in the dark with my little ones and it end up bad either way. To make a long story short I was walking, observing the environment, and listening to a book and the author quoted Brother Cornel West. Dr. Cornel West was giving a talk about the blues and his statement set me off on this article for the FAM. Brother Cornell described the blues as "courageously bearing witness before the worms get your body". For me that is a perfect definition for living Nia. Can you stand up and say that you are courageously bearing witness to your Nia?

"Once we know the truth of each principle (Umoja, Kuji, Ujima, Ujamaa) we can bear witness to our Nia"

Bear witness regardless of what is happening around you, bearing witness when your money is short, bearing witness when your relationships are suffering, bearing witness when the dead lines are coming. Can you honestly say that you have been true to your Nia. Nia requires dedication, very similar to worship. Once you find her you have to prove yourself worthy. Nia is a calling and a lot of us are not ready for it, we think we are, but we're not. It's too early for some of us, some of us will never be ready for it, because there are certain wounds that could never be healed or certain things that need to be experienced before Nia can come into our lives. Nia is a teacher that requires the student to be humble, honest, and patient. The question to ponder today is, are you one of those students.

"Once we know the truth of each principle (Umoja, Kujichagulia, Ujima, Ujamaa) we can bear witness to our Nia"

During this week of Kujichagulia we have been called to define, and I am starting to see that it was all in preparation for Nia. When we are able to define the role of all the other principles in our life it is easier for us to find our Nia. When I define my other principles it makes it easier for me to live my Nia, and live through it. Because in knowing the truth about Umoja, understanding the power of Kuji, Embracing Ujima, and Identifying my Ujamaa it is now possible for me to actually bear witness to my Nia. In being able to bear witness I am able to do my part in building the world that I want. When I became comfortable with my own ability to define myself I found my Nia. So during this week of defining myself I have taken some time to really think about what Nia means for me specifically not just as a person but as an individual. One thing that stood out most when talking about being able to bear witness was how much more effective we can be when we know our purpose. My Nia is the foundation in my life. It is what drives me to be a better person each day, and builds upon everything else that I am doing to grow as an individual. My Nia is what allows me to know what role I play in building a unified community, and how I can contribute towards it with my purpose and on purpose. My purpose is not only just for myself but also for others around me. Hopefully you have come to a similar conclusion and will continue doing the work that will make you and your tribe free...







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