Who we are

I just got finished watching this series on PBS entitled "African American Lives 2" and I was completely intrigued. Henry Louis Gates, Jr. is the host and producer of the show, he traces the history of prominent African American's in our culture as far back as he can possibly go. For instance he traced Dr. Maya Angelou's ancestry back to the early 1800s, Don Cheadle, Chris Rock, Tina Turner and the likes.
It really got me thinking, ironically, as I try to bud (read post from 2.1.08 for reference) that it's so amazing to know where we come from and who we are. I know that before my grandfather passed away he had ever so diligently constructed our family tree back 300 years....I would love to see that! One thing that Chris Rock said during the show really struck me. (I am paraphrasing) He spoke about how had he known all the things about his grandfather then he would have realized earlier then he did that there were greater possibilities and opportunities for him, more so than being a comedian It really gave light to the saying, "You don't know where you're headed, until you know where you're from."

I want to know as much about my family's history as I possibly can, not only for myself, but for the children that I may one day have. There are no classes in this country that educate us about Asian Indian history and therefore, it will be up to me to keep the history of my country, the stories of my people and the legacy of my family, alive. It will be up to me to inspire my future family with the accomplishments and strifes of my ancestors. It will be up to me to show and teach my children the qualities that are inherently in their blood.

So, though I may be late to realize the importance of our past, I know now, that it definitely shapes our future.