by Yasawaii Saadiq, founder of Third Eye Nubians

In a world that constantly pushes us forward, it’s easy to forget the roots that ground us. But for those of us connected to the African Diaspora, our roots are more than history, they are living energy. Our ancestors carried wisdom, resilience, and courage that still flows through us today. To honor them is not only to respect their journey but to tap into the very spirit that can guide our growth and success.  

Why Honoring Our Ancestors Matters

Our ancestors endured unimaginable trials, yet they built foundations strong enough for us to stand here now. Their sacrifices were not in vain—they were investments in the future. When we honor them, we acknowledge that we are not isolated individuals but extensions of a legacy. Their victories, their lessons, and even their pain become a compass for our own lives. To forget them is to weaken our foundation. To remember them is to activate the power they left for us.  

Practical Ways to Align With Ancestors’ Spirit

Honoring our ancestors isn’t only about ritual, it’s about alignment. Here are a few ways to bring their presence into daily life:  

• Create a space of remembrance – A photo, a name, a candle, or a small altar can keep their spirit close and remind you of who walks with you. 
• Speak their names – Words have power. Saying their names aloud is a way of affirming their life and continuing their presence. 
• Study their wisdom – Read the writings, stories, and traditions they left behind. Knowledge is one of the clearest paths to alignment. 
• Live their values – Integrity, unity, and resilience were the foundation of their survival. Living by those same principles honors them more than anything. 
• Pour into the next generation – Just as they poured into us, we must guide, teach, and protect those coming after us. 

The Spiritual Alignment

When we consciously align with our ancestors’ spirit, we unlock a deeper resilience. Struggles no longer feel like we are facing them alone. Every challenge is met with the backing of generations who fought, prayed, dreamed, and built. Their spirit becomes a well we can draw from when our own strength feels small. Alignment also reminds us that our mission is bigger than individual success. Every step forward is part of a collective journey. We are here to heal what was broken, to reclaim what was lost, and to expand what they began.  

Living as the Answer to Their Prayers

Many of our ancestors didn’t live to see the freedoms and opportunities we now hold. But we are living proof that their sacrifices mattered. Every dream we chase, every business we build, every act of self-love is a way of saying: your prayers were answered through me. When we align with their spirit, we step into our role as the continuation of a divine plan—one that began long before us and will extend far beyond us.  

Final Word

Honoring our ancestors is more than reflection; it’s a call to action. It’s the reminder that we are not alone, that greatness runs in our veins, and that our lives are sacred links in an unbreakable chain. So stand tall. Walk proud. And remember: the spirit of those who came before you is the wind at your back. Align with it, and there is nothing you cannot overcome.