Legacy in Every Name: Honoring Ancestral Wisdom.
As I reflect on the profound impact of our ancestral heritage, I am drawn to the intricate process of naming our children. In a world where names hold the weight of history and culture, I made a deliberate choice to bestow upon our children names filled with legacy, imbuing them with the energy and power of greatness that shaped our collective identity.
Our journey began with our firstborn, Damany Oronde, whose name means "Appointed One." With each syllable, we envisioned him stepping into his destiny, guided by the divine purpose that flows through his veins. Next came our daughter, Damali Asantewaa, whose name translates to "Beautiful Leader." As we whispered her name into the universe, we envisioned her embodying the strength and grace of the fearless Queen Mother after whom she is named.
And finally, our youngest, Aziwike, a name that embodies “Strength, Royalty, and Vitality.” As we spoke his name aloud, we felt the echoes of kings and queens who walked before him, passing down the mantle of leadership and power from generation to generation.
As a Jamaican with roots tracing back to Ghana, I am deeply connected to the energetic resonance of our ancestral homelands. Through the act of naming our children, we are not only honoring our heritage but also invoking the wisdom and strength of those who came before us. Their names are not merely labels; they are vessels of power, carrying within them the stories and legacies of our ancestors.
And then there is Sâsana, the newest addition to our family, my very first grandchild whose name embodies the very essence of her being – Fortunate, Happy, Brilliant, Radiant One. As I hold her in my arms, I am reminded of the profound responsibility that comes with bestowing a name upon a child – a responsibility that I have had the honor of fulfilling once again.
As for myself, I have embraced the name AFFA, meaning Oracle, a name that resonates deeply with the truth of who I am. Grandma never quite aligned with the vision I held for myself, but as AFFA, I have found my true identity – a guide, a source of wisdom, and a keeper of the stories that bind us together as a family.
In the tapestry of our lives, each name holds a sacred significance, weaving together a narrative of love, resilience, and purpose. As we continue to journey forward, may we draw strength from the legacies of our ancestors, knowing that their wisdom and guidance will always be with us, lighting the path ahead and illuminating the way for generations to come.
Embrace each moment with gratitude and wonder,
