The Wisdom of my Black Ancestors
“I think about the Black people who came before me, how the seeds of equality and justice were planted in their minds, growing into resistance and resilience. ”
To many African Americans, every month is Black History month in our lives!
We have heard about the discrimination and struggles our ancestors faced. In America, and many places in the world, hate toward Black people and our culture has been passed down from generation to generation, embedded in culture and institutions.
….That’s why we still experience racism today….
We are still judged or denied our rights because of the color of our skin. We are led to believe we lack intelligence. Our children are educated in a system that denies our history, traditions and culture.
And yet, I think about the Black people who came before me, how the seeds of equality and justice were planted in their minds, growing into resistance and resilience.
I never forget the African American minds, bodies and spirits of the past who paved the way for me today!
Our worth is often measured by how we face our difficulties in life. In my work as a Community Advocate and organizer these past 5 years, I have learned to use my Black culture and heritage as directions, as signposts, to keep me moving forward.
This is some of the wisdom of our Black ancestors that helps me face life’s difficulties, and joyfully celebrate the beauty of life too. I hope this wisdom inspires you this Black History Month, and ALL YEAR LONG.
Freedom has no limitation.
Do not be afraid to make demands for equality.
No one can take what is meant for you.
Ask for what you want and claim it! From that moment on, believe it is yours.
Challenges come, so we can grow. Keep moving forward.
Decisions have power and force.
Right decisions take us to the exact place we need to be.
Thank you for reading,
Rodney Gaines
RODNEY GAINES
Rodney Gaines is a 40 year resident of Davee Gardens. Prior to serving as RVA Thrives Collaboration Coordinator, Rodney worked for UPS for 14 years and started with RVA Thrives as a Community Advocate in 2017 and now serves as a Collaboration Coordinator.
Rodney is a small business owner, offering mobile hair cuts around the City of Richmond. Rodney does community outreach, neighbor engagement, and leads the greening work within RVA Thrives.
Rodney enjoys gardening, he is a graduate of the Ginter Urban Gardeners program and is a Richmond Tree Steward.
Contact Rodney at rodneygaines88@gmail.com.