How My Family and Cultural History Shaped My Identity

“A people without the knowledge of their past history, origin and culture is like a tree without roots.” – Marcus Garvey

Panorama of Cosenza, Calabria, Italy taken from the top of Castello Svevo.

Family and cultural history are two things that can be incredibly important. It amazes me just how many people know very little about either – I speak specifically of those individuals who are plausibly capable to learn more and choose to not do so from some lack of care (I do however understand that not everyone has such possibilities for a variety reasons, as well as that others have had rather negative family experiences thus demoralizing the desire to reconcile with such history).

Having said this, family and cultural history can play an integral role in learning about who you are as a unique individual, where you are today and what you have today. They can help put your life into perspective. They can help you move forward in life by learning about the decisions and lifestyles of those who came before you. Understanding where you come from and what your ancestors had done in their lives may play an integral role in further discovering what makes you who you are.

While I’ve been fortunate to learn and connect with quite a bit of my family and cultural history, my argument extends further than one’s specific family history; ancient history, the history of your community, the…