Thanksgiving has always been more than a day for family, food, and gratitude—it’s a time of deep reflection for me. A few years ago, I began tracing my roots, uncovering stories that revealed the complexities of my family’s history. Since my grandmother’s passing, this journey has taken on even greater importance, connecting me more deeply to my heritage and my commitment to honoring those who came before me.
As I’ve learned more about my ancestors, I’ve come to see Thanksgiving through a different lens. It’s a day that holds layers of meaning, especially for those of us whose family histories are tied to Indigenous peoples, enslaved Africans, and colonizers. For me, it’s not about perpetuating myths or whitewashed stories but about reclaiming the narrative, honoring my ancestors, and finding gratitude in their resilience.
Tracing My Roots: A Journey of Connection
My family’s history is deeply intertwined with the Indigenous peoples of Caddo Parish in Louisiana, the colonizers who displaced them, and the enslaved Africans who were brought to the region. This rich and painful history shapes how I view Thanksgiving. It’s not a simple celebration—it’s a reminder of survival and resistance.
When I began tracing my roots, I unearthed stories of strength and cultural fusion that have profoundly influenced who I am today. Since losing my grandmother, this journey has become a way to keep her spirit alive. She taught me the value of family, tradition, and excellence—values I carry forward in her honor.
Thanksgiving Through a Cultural Lens
For families like mine, Thanksgiving is not about a mythologized feast but about reflection and reclamation. The sanitized story of Pilgrims and Native Americans sitting together in harmony erases the true history of colonization and the oppression of Indigenous and African peoples. Acknowledging this truth doesn’t diminish the holiday—it gives it meaning.
In my family, Thanksgiving is a time to:
- Honor Ancestors: I honor my ancestors every day, but on Thanksgiving, this takes on a renewed commitment to excellence. It’s a day to reflect on their sacrifices and celebrate the resilience that brought us to where we are today.
- Reclaim Food Traditions: The dishes on my Thanksgiving table tell a story of survival and cultural fusion. From Creole-inspired dishes to soul food staples, each bite is a connection to the past and a celebration of our heritage.
- Reflect and Educate: Thanksgiving is also a chance to acknowledge the history that shaped this country. It’s a reminder to reflect on the impact of colonization, slavery, and displacement while educating ourselves and others about the truths often left out of textbooks.
A Time for Gratitude and Action
Thanksgiving is a day to pause and give thanks, but for me, it’s also a time for action. It’s a moment to recommit to excellence, honor my ancestors’ resilience, and create a legacy that uplifts my family and community. I reflect on their strength, and I find gratitude in the opportunities their sacrifices have afforded me.
This Thanksgiving, I challenge you to do the same. Reflect on your own history, honor the sacrifices of those who came before you, and find ways to give back. Support Indigenous communities, uplift Black-owned businesses, and educate yourself on the complex histories that shape our present.
For me, Thanksgiving is about transformation. It’s turning a holiday built on a complicated past into a celebration of resilience, connection, and cultural empowerment.
How are you honoring your roots this Thanksgiving? Share your reflections in the comments—we’re stronger when we share our stories and build our communities together.
