OATH TO OUR ANCESTORS
By Chief Elder Ray Hagins
(Sa Ra Ankhotep Maakheru Setep En Ra)
O Ancestors! Blacker than a thousand midnights…
Afrikan Ancestors! It is to YOU that we, your children, give respect and honor.
O Ancestors! We call upon YOU and welcome you in this place…
Afrikan Ancestors! Let your presence fill this place.
O Ancestors! Who have been purposely excluded from the history books,
so that the world would not know of your greatness…
Our Afrikan Ancestors! Who gave civilization to the world…
Our Afrikan Ancestors! Who gave the arts to the world…
Our Afrikan Ancestors! Who gave music to the world…
Our Afrikan Ancestors! Who gave the sciences to the world…
Our Afrikan Ancestors! Who gave mathematics to the world…
Our Afrikan Ancestors! Who gave medicine to the world…
Our Afrikan Ancestors! Who gave literature to the world…
Our Afrikan Ancestors! Who gave philosophy to the world…
Our Afrikan Ancestors! Who gave God consciousness to the world…
O Ancestors! We thank you for devoting your life to make a future for us,
your children, grand children, and great grandchildren.
Now, stand with us; strengthen us; guide us; teach us,
and protect us from the snare of our enemies!
Rise up, O Afrikan Ancestors, and let our enemies be scattered!
And give us the wisdom and the boldness to deal with our oppressors
and those who would hinder the liberation and empowerment of our people.
Rise up, O Afrikan Ancestors, and live in us.
And we will not fail to honor you;
We will not fail to respect you;
We will not fail to hear you,
And we will NOT betray you.
Ase`