Kujichagulia-To define ourselves, name ourselves, speak for ourselves instead of being defined, names, or created for by others.
I have been discussing this with omo mi quite a bit lately. Today I asked them what they would name themselves when given the chance. It was really interesting and let me get to know them a bit better. It let me see how they see themselves.
I have also met, been talking to, and learning from a wonderful Sista named Aza Adeyemi Shukura. We were talking about her name change at a meeting we were having. She simply stated that she changed her name, it was a choice, and that people call her that. The unspoken part was that they call her Aza because she isn't going to answer to anything else. I mean, she is sweet as she can be, but she is more like sweet chili paste, because she has quite a bit of heat to her also. I asked her this morning if she had "legally" changed her name. She basically said that she wasn't interested in having her name on any government documents. This made me really begin to think about this whole name thing.
My name is Ifasayo (Ifa begets joy) Morenike (I have found one to pet) Egunjobi (The ancestors gave birth to us all). I love my names. I mean I really love my names. They are perfect for me. I received the second and third first by way of a roots reading and the first came when I received my first hand of Ifa.
For some reason I never considered the part about the freedom to name ourselves during the 10 years we've celebrated Kwanzaa. It's amazing that it didn't cross my mind in the least. It's one of those things that people say, but I don't think that they really expect anyone to utilize it. Why don't I ever introduce myself to people as Ifasayo or 'Fasayo even though I almost stumble when I state the name I was welcomed to this earth with. I have decided that I am going to change that. I will be Ifasayo--well I am and have always been Ifasayo, but I will start introducing myself as such because that's who I am. I guess this will probably also hasten the discovery of my real life to my mother. Nope...she hasn't said anything.
Btw, I've been invited to speak at a women's conference at a church. LOL I really gotta come out of this closet. I'm starting to feel somewhat schizophrenia.
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I love what you said here. I admire those who change their name, whether legally or not, with no apologies. I love my first name (Darasia) but I have never been fond of my European last name (Selby).
ReplyDeleteI have recently started using my initiate name and my roots reading name. Alaade, my initiate name, means "pure crown" and my roots reading name "Sangogbemi" (which is my family name) means "Sango saves me." Though I love my first name, there is a sense of empowerment I feel when I use my initiate and roots reading names.
Side Note: I would love to speak to you Iya, if possible. I need to meet Babas and Iyas who practice traditionally. I love and respect Lukumi but there are some things, like the hand of Ifa, that I would like to do the traditional way.
Ore Yeye O!
ReplyDeleteI feel so honored that you read my blog! I remember reading yours when I was beginning this path and of course I read it now! I LOVE your names.
I'm not fully initiated yet so my knowledge is still very limited so I can't help much. If you want to, you can contact Yeyelawo Olomitutu on FB. She is MORE than qualified to help you out.