THE BLACK ELDERING BILL OF RIGHTS PRINCIPLES

Honoring the Spirit of Sankofa as the Birthright And Cornerstone of Black Elders in the Community

Channeling the West-African principle to “go back and get it,” Sankofa teaches us that nothing we wish to accomplish can be achieved without the wisdom and teachings of those who came before us. Elderhood is a privilege and a rite of passage to be recognized, revered, and supported within and beyond the Black community. The voices and lived experiences of Black Elders deserve to be centered and uplifted as beacons of light and wisdom for the wellbeing of the Black community and society as a whole. Black Elders encompass a wealth of knowledge and expertise that should be heard, respected, and honored in the places where we love, live, work, pray, play, and seek care. Black Elders must be given the space, freedom, and opportunity to share the trials and tribulations of our aging journeys so that we can co-create and curate communities of dignity, care, wellbeing, and belonging that enable us to thrive along our aging journeys. 

The Black Eldering Bill of Rights is an invitation to current and future generations to Sit at the Feet of Sankofa as they assume the mantle of caring for their families, loved ones, and communities – and, it is a collective call to action to radically reimagine the vision and mission for honoring Black Elderhood.