It's Mind Right Monday...My Family History is Black History. We all have a story to tell.
Let's do something new in 2022. Take time to talk to your children, grandchildren, neices and nephews about your family history.
Yes, we remember those like Dr. Martin Luther King, Sojourner Truth, W.E.B DuBois and others who have dedicated their lives for the advancement of rights for Black Americans. We can read about them online and in books.
But if you don't teach the young ones about their own family history the stories of your own ancestors will die with the dead.
Truth is, I'm a bit sad that I don't know more about my family history. Very little word of mouth was given about my ancesters on my father's side.
Here's what I do know, my Grandfather, Sims Rivers was a preacher. My grandmother's name was Julia. When Julia died, a second wife was named Ella—that's how I got my name. In the early 1900s the family lived in Plaquemine's Parrish and later moved to the New Orleans area.
My father, Rev. Hosea Rafael Rivers was the second of four children and the only boy. I remember him saying that there was no public record of his birth because the Plaquemine's Parrish courthouse burning down when he was a boy. He had a great singing and speaking voice. As a teenager, he sang with a group called the Nightingales.
My father was what I consider to be a natural leader. When he entered a room, everyone knew he had arrived. He had confidence and presence, I admired that about him. He graduated from Dillard University with a degree in Theology and was a Pastor for many years. He taught me to work hard and always do my best.
Though my ancestors were not inventors or nationally known—at least not that I know of—my father and grandfather helped to set people free (from their sins). As preachers of the gospel message, they shared the Word of God. My father was a prolific teacher and preacher who taught with passion. He encouraged others to walk in their greatest potential in Christ Jesus. I believe I possess a little bit of that too.
It's Mind Right Monday...My Black History is Black History!