Activism and our Ancestors

As believers in manifesting our own destiny we often unintentionally ignore the contributions that our ancestors have made to our moral, intellectual and spiritual make up.  When I consider who I would be if my ancestors had made different choices, led different lives, I am profoundly affected by my realization of how much I am the sum of generations of choices.

On a family level I wonder if my father had not told me stories, as a child, of his activities delivering underground newspapers during the Nazi occupation of Denmark, would I have developed my compulsion to confront injustice?

 Further, had not my protesting older cousins set for me an example of seeking social justice, would I be the same man I am today? Would I have begun my activism at age eight without these influences?

Would I be such a believer in the power of civil disobedience had Rosa Parks not taken the seat she did?

Would I believe in the ability of individuals to make a difference had not I witnessed the life and death of Bobby Kennedy? 

 Would I have the same belief in peaceful resistance had not Martin Luther King given his life in the name of justice?

Today I can hear the whispered voices of my ancestors, those in my family, those in my social justice community, those in my spiritual community and I am humbled.  Their words urge me to carry on, continue to act for social justice in all its’ forms.  I am cradled in the arms of those who have gone before me on this path.  Any small contribution I may make to our blessed community flows from them and upon future generations.  Such service grounds me upon the earth where my ancestors lie.

So my friends, Who are your honored ancestors? How did they influence your life? Feel free to comment!