Black Elders Deserve To Be Respected For Their Truths and Lived Experiences

PRINCIPLE #1 OF THE BLACK ELDERING BILL OF RIGHTS

  • There is a rightful propriety that comes with the wisdom and knowledge shared by Community Elders. Even when the knowledge offered may not serve the specific and immediate needs of others, there is always an opportunity to receive and contemplate the lesson being given. The individual and collective wisdom of Black Elders can be validated in those moments and cherished as a treasure for another time. 

COMMUNITY REFLECTIONS

“Black Elders can form a strong bond with a younger person by engaging around a common passion/hobby, like cooking or sports or art. It’s essential that we open communication first by LISTENING sensitively to the younger person’s perspective and find something we can affirm (resist inclination to criticize); then share our wisdom and insights.”
-Sankofa Ambassador