This edition of Hood Health 101 addresses the topic of cultural preservation with integrity and how it can be achieved.
Cultural preservation with integrity is vital for any ethnicity or group of people. The problem that is found within the African American community is a lack of cultural preservation as a result of several factors ranging from slavery, assimilation through integration, to social norms and trends. African Americans unlike any other race of people have both intentionally and unintentionally been kept from their history or have found that it has been convoluted, distorted, or simply taken by other cultures and presented as their own. Poetically speaking, as a people our tongue was cut from our mouths and we could no longer call for home. So the question becomes, how can individuals connect with something that they do not intimately know or practice. Well beloveds, the destination to having a culturally connected existence can be finite but the pathways are many.
The first thing that you can do is research your history from knowledgeable and respected historians. There are a plethora of books that delve into the origins and history of original people from every square inch of the planet Earth. The very inspiration behind the Hood Health 101 column comes from Supreme Design Publishing’s book entitled the Hood Health Handbook. The company has also published other books on the history of original people as well. Documentaries also can be valuable sources of information. You can find many documentary series available for free on YouTube and other sites as well. I always say though, that it is good to purchase what you can from members within your own cultural community.
Take the time to speak with your elders. Our elders are the keepers of wisdom and tradition, if we are fortunate enough to have access to them. Now this is not to say that all elders are well versed in cultural practices or knowledge, but there’s also the chance that they may be. I was always taught that change or revolutionary change comes from the wisdom of the old and the zeal of the young. Your elders are with you for a reason, be open to their guidance as I can tell you more times than not you will find that it is valuable.
If you find that you cannot just pick up a bag a travel, well then the internet is your friend beloved. Find connections with others who live in the areas that you are researching about. Friend individuals on Facebook, Instagram, Skype them or whatever other form of communication that you are comfortable with. The goal is to ask questions and trade information such as pictures of the area, food, people, customs, etcetera. The key is to increase the degree of your human interactions, your mind, and your experiences on a much larger scale.
The suggestions that I have provided are few and I am aware of that. This was intended to be that spark for you or that moment where you began to mentally toggle with the things that I have presented. For sure, nothing is new under the sun; you just have to be dedicated and resourceful enough to find what you are seeking. Learning, developing, strengthening, and preserving your cultural identity is something that is vastly importance. Remember and embrace that fact! Don’t forget to follow me on Twitter @NakeashaJ and on Instagram @Melanated_Beauty.
