Embracing My Roots: A Journey Through Igbo Identity.

Dear Angels,

I still vividly recall the moment I realized I was Igbo – a revelation swiftly followed by the understanding that I was an Igbo boy amidst a sea of Yorubas in their own land. It dawned on me: I was the odd one out, a pattern I’d come to recognize in many aspects of my life. Just across the street, my friends Abayomi and Owolabi were my window into the Yoruba world, a culture I admired from a respectful distance.

Growing up, I often felt isolated, surrounded by peers who didn’t share my Igbo heritage. Yet, in a way, I was enveloped by it through the adults around me, particularly my mother’s friends. These Igbo adults were my cultural guides, sharing stories and traditions, keeping our community vibrant through peer group meetings every Sunday. My mother would relay the happenings of these gatherings, painting a vivid picture of our shared heritage.

There’s so much to love about being Igbo – our rich customs, delectable cuisine, captivating stories, and art. Then came the chapter of learning about our history, the saga of my ancestors. A story, mind you, that was conspicuously absent from my school curriculum – something I’m still not entirely pleased about.

I often wondered why, out of the countless cultures on this planet, I was born into an Igbo family. It wasn’t my choice, but rather, it seemed that this identity chose me.

Our cultures are the legacies of our ancestors, destined to outlast us. We bear the sacred duty of passing them to the next generation. The Igbo culture, thriving for over 5000 years and standing strong as the fifth largest ethnic group in Africa, chose me.

But why?

Upon reflection, I understood: it chose me to weave it into the tapestry of my story, just as your culture chose you to be an integral part of yours. As the multidimensional star-beings we are, it’s a privilege to carry forward the powerful legacies of our cultures, each housing the enigma that is our individuality. Every culture carries a unique and pure essence, and you, my friend, are worthy of that legacy.

Embracing our cultures is not just about celebration; it’s about reverence and respect. In a world where modernity threatens to overshadow our roots, and the scars of slavery and colonialism linger on the soul of our diverse cultures, it’s imperative we reclaim our first identity.

So, as we navigate through this ever-changing world, let’s hold our cultures close, honoring them not just for ourselves, but for the generations to come.

With pure love and cultural pride,

Chu

Photo by John Mic