Those who know me well, know that I've always been proud to be Ethiopian. Not only do I have the general pride anyone would have for their heritage, but I'm always proud of the history that Ethiopia carries. On top of that I'm also proud of my family history.
I think it's very important to go back to your roots and learn the history of your family - your people. Find out about your heritage, your ancestry, your genealogy - your roots. People always say by knowing our history we can successfully move into the future. But when they say that, the "our" is usually referring to people as a whole. Plus, that's what I was told by teachers when I complained about history class. However, most people never really know their own family histories. There are many reasons for that, as some may be adopted, some may not have records of family, and some may not even care. But I think it's important.
I have always been told stories of my family and genealogy, but it is only when I got in my 20s, and especially recently, that I got really interested in it. The past few weeks, I have been watching a new series called "Who Do You Think You Are?" where celebrities trace back their genealogy. It is so interesting and the effect that finding out about their relatives has on the them is amazing.
Lucky for me, a lot of my family history is documented a good ways back and there is also a family tree going back about 200 years on my father's side. (It kinda helps that my dad's side of the family is related to royalty.) I am glad for that, but it is all written in Amharic so it makes it hard for me (or my cousins) to read anything. I am determined to learn as much as I can, though. A few days ago I went to visit my grandmother (my mom's mother) and help her out with some things, and the whole time while I was there she randomly decided told me about her life. She told me about her childhood, her struggles as a veryprogressive and independent woman in a society that didn't nurture that, how she left her kids back home and came to the US for school in the sixties and the discrimination she faced, how it was when the communist military took power in Ethiopia during the mid-1970s, etc. I had never really heard her story, so I was quite engrossed. It was a nearly two-hour conversation, but it wasn't enough. I can't wait for another chat! I've always known my grandmother was a strong, passionate, intelligent, determined woman, but hearing about how she got where she is with all her struggles made me appreciate what I have and made me want to be a better person.
This is why I think it's not only important to know your heritage, but it's also really interesting! I know for some it may not be easy or accessible as it is for me, but I hope more people will find out more about themselves through their ancestry. I find it so fascinating, and I love learning about other peoples' heritage and ancestry, too!
Whenever I get the chance, I plan on asking my grandparents more about their lives, and their history. I am fortunate to have 3 of my grandparents alive, and they carry so much knowledge and many stories with them, that it would be a shame if I didn't get their firsthand accounts - and in the future pass it on to my children...if I have any. :)
I think it's very important to go back to your roots and learn the history of your family - your people. Find out about your heritage, your ancestry, your genealogy - your roots. People always say by knowing our history we can successfully move into the future. But when they say that, the "our" is usually referring to people as a whole. Plus, that's what I was told by teachers when I complained about history class. However, most people never really know their own family histories. There are many reasons for that, as some may be adopted, some may not have records of family, and some may not even care. But I think it's important.
I have always been told stories of my family and genealogy, but it is only when I got in my 20s, and especially recently, that I got really interested in it. The past few weeks, I have been watching a new series called "Who Do You Think You Are?" where celebrities trace back their genealogy. It is so interesting and the effect that finding out about their relatives has on the them is amazing.
Lucky for me, a lot of my family history is documented a good ways back and there is also a family tree going back about 200 years on my father's side. (It kinda helps that my dad's side of the family is related to royalty.) I am glad for that, but it is all written in Amharic so it makes it hard for me (or my cousins) to read anything. I am determined to learn as much as I can, though. A few days ago I went to visit my grandmother (my mom's mother) and help her out with some things, and the whole time while I was there she randomly decided told me about her life. She told me about her childhood, her struggles as a very
This is why I think it's not only important to know your heritage, but it's also really interesting! I know for some it may not be easy or accessible as it is for me, but I hope more people will find out more about themselves through their ancestry. I find it so fascinating, and I love learning about other peoples' heritage and ancestry, too!
Whenever I get the chance, I plan on asking my grandparents more about their lives, and their history. I am fortunate to have 3 of my grandparents alive, and they carry so much knowledge and many stories with them, that it would be a shame if I didn't get their firsthand accounts - and in the future pass it on to my children...if I have any. :)
As far as going back to my roots, I really wanna do that again...literally. I wanna go back and visit Ethiopia again. Unfortunately, I can't see that happening anytime soon.
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