Over the years, a phrase has circulated on social media and even made its way onto t-shirts: “I’m not my ancestors.” It’s often used to suggest that today’s generation would resist oppression more forcefully than those who came before them. But in reality, this mindset reflects a troubling disconnect from the resilience, strategy, and community strength that our ancestors embodied. In truth, we need to be more like our ancestors, not less.
As we celebrate Black history, it’s crucial to reflect not just on the milestones of the past, but on the values, lessons, and survival tactics that allowed Black people to persevere against incredible odds. Many of these lessons have been forgotten, overlooked, or undervalued in today’s society. It’s time we reclaim them.
Lesson 1: The Power of Collective Action
Our ancestors understood that freedom was a team sport. From the Underground Railroad to the Civil Rights Movement, Black people didn’t fight alone—they fought together. Today, we’ve seen powerful moments of activism, such as the Black Lives Matter movement, but we also see a rise in individualism that can sometimes weaken our collective strength.
What we forgot: Movements require sustained commitment. Many of our ancestors risked their lives, careers, and comfort to fight for a better future. They boycotted for over a year during the Montgomery Bus Boycott, endured physical violence during sit-ins, and spent years organizing voter registration drives. Are we willing to make those same sacrifices today?
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Lesson 2: The Importance of Economic Independence
Black Wall Street in Tulsa, Rosewood in Florida, and other self-sustaining Black communities thrived because our ancestors understood the power of economic unity. They built their own businesses, banks, and trade networks when mainstream institutions shut them out.
What we forgot: Many of us now prioritize spending at major corporations rather than supporting Black-owned businesses. While economic barriers still exist, our ancestors showed us that financial independence requires intention, discipline, and a commitment to investing in our own communities.
Lesson 3: Health Is a Revolutionary Act
Slavery, segregation, and medical racism have long impacted Black health. Yet, despite these injustices, our ancestors found ways to prioritize wellness. They relied on natural remedies, plant-based diets, and communal caregiving to survive. Figures like Harriet Tubman and Frederick Douglass spoke about the importance of physical strength and mental resilience.
What we forgot: Today, many of us battle chronic illnesses that disproportionately affect the Black community—diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease. While healthcare access is still an issue, we also have more resources than our ancestors did to make informed health choices. The lesson? Taking care of our bodies and minds isn’t just self-care—it’s resistance.
Lesson 4: The Strength of Cultural Identity
Our ancestors knew who they were. Even when their names, languages, and religions were stripped away, they built new traditions, created new cultural expressions, and held onto the rhythms of Africa through music, dance, and spirituality.
What we forgot: In a world of rapid assimilation, social media trends, and external pressures, some of us have distanced ourselves from our roots. Reconnecting with African traditions, supporting HBCUs, embracing natural hair, and valuing Black art, literature, and history are ways to honor the cultural foundation our ancestors left behind.
Lesson 5: Mental Toughness and Emotional Intelligence
The psychological toll of racism is real, and our ancestors endured it without the mental health resources we have today. Despite this, they developed coping mechanisms through faith, music, storytelling, and community. They found joy amid struggle, built safe spaces, and mastered the art of resilience.
What we forgot: While therapy, meditation, and wellness trends have become more accepted, some of us still downplay mental health issues or ignore the emotional strength our ancestors displayed. True mental toughness is about adaptability, endurance, and finding ways to heal—just as our ancestors did.
Moving Forward: What Can We Do?
It’s time to stop saying, “I’m not my ancestors” as a badge of honor. Instead, let’s strive to be more like them—strategic, resilient, and united. Here’s how:
- Support Black-owned businesses and circulate the Black dollar.
- Commit to health and wellness as a form of resistance.
- Engage in sustained activism, not just performative social media posts.
- Learn and teach Black history beyond February.
- Invest in community and mentorship—our ancestors didn’t leave anyone behind.
We stand on the shoulders of giants. Let’s make sure we walk in their footsteps with pride, wisdom, and a renewed commitment to the lessons they left us.
Because if we’re not our ancestors… we need to be.
