John,
Ancestor Appreciation Day isn't just any ordinary day on the calendar; it's a day for deep respect and thoughtful reflection. It reminds us that, as we move forward, we should always look back to better understand our past and navigate our future. Today and beyond, let us celebrate our Ancestors.
Our history speaks to the new world we are building – a world that eradicates white supremacy, dismantles historically anti-Black systems, creates spaces for Black imagination and innovation, and invests in sustainable solutions that affirm the prosperity of Black lives across the diaspora.
For BLMGNF, this day carries a unique significance. With you beside us every step of the way, we have changed the world (many times), but this did not start with us. Many have come before and laid the foundation on which we stand every single day.
We are simply able to do this on the shoulders of our Ancestors.
Over the last 10 years, we have become an integral part of the current success and future aspirations of this country. But not without the soul of our Black and abolitionist history.
OUR story is undeniably rich, impactful, and historic -- and it's time for it to be treated as such. Join us in our day of reflection and make history deeply personal by writing a letter to our Ancestors.
One of the reasons we are committed to honoring and actively preserving our history is that earlier this year, Gov. Ron DeSantis banned African-American Studies from being taught in high schools across the state of Florida.
This is extremely dangerous. If we aren't appreciating our heritage, this extraordinary effort to strip and alter the history of our people will be lost to white supremacy.
Florida is only the beginning, and it's concerning... DeSantis is not the first, and regrettably, history tells us, he will not be the last to go to these lengths. To eliminate this trend, we have to continue to educate future generations about our lineage and proudly embrace the history they so badly want to erase.
We are not only preserving our heritage but also acting as guardians of our shared history. We're making it abundantly clear right now that our Ancestors matter.
On this day, the celebration of Black history belongs to us—built from a passion to set us all free and to make this day a symbol of resilience, unity, and hope. Take a moment to write a heartfelt letter to our Ancestors – sharing your gratitude and your commitment to carrying their legacy forward.
In love and solidarity,
Black Lives Matter Global Network Foundation
