Day 8: The Role of Ancestral Wisdom in Building Community
Introduction:
Today’s session was deeply reflective as we explored The Role of Ancestral Wisdom in Building Community. Ancestral knowledge offers us a guide for liberation, resilience, and co-creation, reminding us that liberation is not about returning to the past but weaving ancient wisdom with modern innovation. Together, we discussed how reconnecting with the land, water, and our lineage can teach us interdependence and sustain our communities for the long term.
Key Takeaways:
Ancestral Wisdom as a Guide for Liberation:
Our ancestors built systems of care, resilience, and interdependence that we can adapt to create equitable and just communities today.
Interdependence as a Core Practice:
Supremacy culture severs our ties to community, land, and lineage. Reclaiming interdependence fosters collective accountability and sustainability.
Liberation Through Co-Creation:
Liberation is not about returning to the past but integrating ancestral practices with modern strategies to build systems that work for everyone.
Highlights from the Conversation:
Ancestral Wisdom and Liberation:
We started by discussing how ancestral practices like communal meals, storytelling, and resource sharing remind us of the power of interdependence. I highlighted how Indigenous communities and immigrant families have historically modeled resilience through care and collaboration, offering us blueprints for dismantling supremacy culture.
We reflected on the ways capitalism disconnects us from the land and water—the very ancestors that sustain life. I shared a personal story about how even something as basic as water use can be reframed from a capitalist perspective to an ancestral lens, teaching us to value what sustains us.
Interdependence is Revolutionary:
Interdependence is at the heart of community liberation. We explored how supremacy culture teaches us hyper-independence and isolation, but when we reconnect with our lineage and each other, we begin to heal the fractures within ourselves and our communities. I emphasized involving children in decision-making processes as a way to teach accountability and mutual care, sharing examples from my own family practices.
Making Space for Grief and Asking Hard Questions:
We also delved into the grief that comes with recognizing what has been lost in systems of whiteness. Supremacy culture stripped so many cultural practices, identities, and connections to lineage. I posed the question, "Who were you before you were white?" This question invites white-bodied individuals to reflect on their ancestry and the cultural wisdom that was erased or abandoned in exchange for proximity to power. Making space for this grief is an essential part of reconnecting with humanity and dismantling systems of whiteness.
Tiktok failed to load.Enable 3rd party cookies or use another browser
Co-Creation and Liberation:
Liberation isn’t about replicating the past but learning from it. We reflected on how ancestral wisdom can shape community-building efforts while avoiding spiritual bypassing or cultural appropriation. I critiqued the modern "white witch" movement for its misuse of ancestral practices and urged attendees to ground themselves in their lineage, reclaiming their resilience and divine nature.
Reflection Points:
What stories, rituals, or practices from your ancestors can you reclaim in your liberation journey?
How can you reconnect with the land and water in your community to strengthen your sense of belonging?
In what ways can you invite your family or community into decision-making processes that reflect interdependence?
Practice Your Praxis:
Research Your Lineage: Spend time exploring your ancestry. What practices, traditions, or systems of resilience did your ancestors use to navigate challenges?
Create a Communal Practice: Host a communal meal, restorative circle, or storytelling session that integrates ancestral wisdom into your community space.
Reconnect with the Earth: Visit a local water source or green space. Take time to honor it as an elder ancestor and reflect on its role in sustaining life.
Tiktok failed to load.Enable 3rd party cookies or use another browser
Survey: Where Should We Go Next?
As we move into the next phase of 100 Days of Community, I want your feedback! Would you prefer future sessions to remain on Substack or transition to Zoom for a more interactive experience?
Looking Ahead: Day 9 Preview
Tomorrow’s session will focus on How Cultural Practices Can Heal Disconnection. We’ll explore how embracing and honoring cultural traditions strengthens bonds within and across communities. Join me at 9:30 AM EST!
Reminder:
The first 10 days of 100 Days of Community are free, but after that, access will transition to paid subscribers. Right now, you can save 20% off the annual subscription ($80):
If financial barriers exist, email scholarships@desireebstephens.com for a complimentary subscription.
📚 Additional Resources:
Take a look at the tools and resources I offer for liberation learning: Click here.
In solidarity and liberation,
Desireé B. Stephens, CSP-P
Educator | Counselor | Community Builder
Join me tomorrow at 9:30 am EST for my next live video in the app
Share this post