This kakness did not spark joy.

I miss "English" names.

For those who don't know, back in the day it was common for black parents to give their children a name in English- in addition to their actual/cultural name. This was due to the belief (maybe it was fact I don't know) that if white people could pronounce/recognise you name you were more likely to be hired.

So of course there were people with the stereotypical English names like Mary, Elizabeth, Cynthia etc. however, I always loved the direct translation name.

The classics like Victory, Conquest, Prosperity etc.

Names that basically were basically the adverb translation of African names.

Such names still linger you know: the Angel, Pinky.

I know the tradition still exist in other African countries- particularly Zim but I just genuinely miss those names you know what I mean.

When I tell most people this they say such names are a relic of the past but come on: are you telling me you wouldn't want your kid to rock a badass name like "Conquerer"? Not even a little?

So yeah. Just wanted to mourn just that small dying tradition.

Edit: it seems a few people think Im saying we must pay homage to the institution that made this necessary when I mean the opposite.

The parents that gave their kids these kinds of names gave them yes, because they were forced to, but the fact that they were so unconventional in and of itself was a form of rebellion.

It was easy to just choose the word Rebecca because you saw a white woman named Rebecca. What these parents did, however, was say rather than me name them something I don't understand I'll give them a name I know the definite meaning of.

It's was them saying, "I might have to give this child a name in your language but it will be my meaning and my heritage."

They definitely never met a white person with the name "Landmine" but they knew what it meant and as long as that semblance of defiant independence lived- independence in knowing the meaning- then that's what they named their child.

It was a way of defining an identity even under the thumb of oppression.

Yes the names were English but their adverbial and unconventional existence still made them distinctly African.

Found something we can do with the kak new recipe

Source: https://www.tiktok.com/@ariellyndsey/video/7636609761307381006