February 1 is the official start of black history month. Today I offer a recommendation and a new course of action for the African-American community to take.
African-Americans are ancestrally derived from distinct African ethnic groups, with distinct languages, and thus distinct names. But during slavery the names were replaced with names from Europe. European names, like African names, have different ethnic groups. So today, descendants of Africans are named after European ethnic groups, but not African ethnic groups.
It is time to begin correcting this. So, for those who are bold and willin, I recommend the following:
1) Identify the distinct African ethnic groups that African-Americans originated.
2) Study the groups, then adopt an ethnic group.
3) Choose a last name from the ethnic group and legally change your name.
4) When a child is born, instead of using traditional Western names or making up names, choose names from one of the African ethnic groups.
It is a step toward reclaiming your ancestral identity, which will have a significant effect on your sense of identity.
Remember that in the beginning was the Word, and the Word is a Name, and the Name is meaning and power. The first creative action is always to give something a name which classifies it, signifies its inherent nature, identity, and purpose. Meaning is given according to the forces the word sets in motion, so the word releases power of the meaning. And this power is always more potent when the ethnic identity of the person matches the name.
For example: A person from a foreign country will tell you that there is a different feeling and more potent power that is inwardly felt when their parents or family call them by their indigenous name vs. when people call them by their adopted Western name. Through the sound and tone of their ethnic name, forces are set in motion that has an animating effect! Such is the nature and power of the word.
Thus, for many African Americans to reclaim their power and identity, it is high time to begin legally changing your names to match the ethnic groups of your ancestral origin. The names you have, as precious as they are, where not adopted but imposed on you by force. Now you can voluntarily reclaim your identity.
The recommendation may not apply to all. And everyone’s right to decide should be respected! But even if it is no longer feasible for you, you can still encourage the younger generations in your family.
At the onset of black history month, I encourage you to consider the above recommendation, to reclaim your African ancestral identity through the bold step of a name change!
~Dr. Ikenna Ezealah
My name is ethnically derived from the Igbo people of Southeast Nigeria. The meanings of my names are as follows: Ikenna – Power of Father/God; Ezealah – King of Land. Thus, the Power of God is King of Land. I bear the name with great pride!
Nation Upbuilding 