Reflection questions inspired by Matriarch: A memoir by tina knowles
Questions Written By Micahla T.
Tina describes her lineage as “ A matrilineal line as worthy of memorization as the bloodlines of mythological Greek god I would learn later.” With that in mind, please consider the following questions:
1. Who in your family is the historian/griot?
I can’t say that there is a specific person in my family that’s a historian/griot. I feel like my family has always been private and kept things a secret. I would like to learn more about my grandparents and those who came before them so I can get a better idea of who my family is and what they’ve experienced. As I get older, I can see myself taking on the responsibility of being the historian of the family. - Jada W.
2. Do you feel any responsibility for preserving and passing down your family’s story?
I wouldn’t say that I feel responsible for preserving and passing down my family’s story but it is something that I’m interested in. - Jada W.
3. Do you ever feel like a bulk of your history is missing? If so, what actions can you take to help fill in the blanks?
Yes, I feel like there is so much history missing from both my maternal and paternal side of the family. I would like to start connecting with older people in my family and documenting stories they know to try to learn more and preserve my family’s history. Eventually, I’d like to hire a genealogist to dig deeper! - Jada W.
4. How do you record monumental moments and "lore" of your own life now? What about the smaller lessons and experiences that make your life more enjoyable?
I record memories through photographs, videos and journaling. - Jada W.
5. Do you possess any skills passed down from your ancestors? If no, do you know of any that you could learn today or in the near future?
I’d say yes, I have possessed skills passed down from my ancestors. I feel like those of black lineage are naturally homemakers and while I may not be seen as a “traditional homemaker,” I do enjoy turning any space I’ve lived in into a home and I get that from my grandmother on my dad’s side. I’m now interested in making things from scratch whether it’s trying a new recipe, making things myself verses buying them in story (clothes, pottery, etc.,) gardening and taking care of my plants. I find myself wanting to be able to do things for myself that we don’t necessary have to do anymore. Another skill that I believe has been passed down from my ancestors is my faith and spirituality. I couldn’t imagine going through what they endured but I can see how they persevered through their faith in God, strength and discernment. - Jada W.
6. What skills or life lessons are most important to you to share with young people in your family?
Important skills and life lessons that are most important to me would be to have a relationship with God, don’t allow fear and worry stop you and to take care of yourself (mind, body and soul). We have been told by the world around us (and sometimes by our own family) that things are impossible when in fact ANYTHING is POSSIBLE. - Jada W.
7. Do you have a physical copy of your family tree? If no, can you take one step (a conversation w/ a family member, an ancestry search, etc) today?
Bonus: Recall a story or memory about a loved one - living or transitioned, can be a story with any emotion on the spectrum (happy, sad, funny, rebellious, remorseful, etc). Write this story down somewhere safe where you'd always have access to it. This story, an aspect of your story, can now live on forever.