Honoring Elders: Journeys, Wisdom, and Longevity

#NationalSeniorCitizensDay

Some of us know the old Negro spiritual, “On My Journey Now, Mount Zion,” which includes the lyrics, “I wouldn’t take nothing for my journey now.” Imagine how many of our ancestors felt the same way. These words could have also resonated with some of these folks in the photographs.

Historical tidbit: According to Billboard Magazine, legendary singer, actor, linguist, and activist #PaulRobeson popularized this song in the 1960s. Listen to it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ySxtFeLwIYE

With senior citizens living and thriving longer, it’s important to spend time with our elders, receive their wisdom, and record their journeys. So next time you’re with your grandmother, great aunt, neighbor, church member, or an older person you bump into at the grocery store, pull out your phone (or tape recorder) and try to capture their memories. #NGL (not gonna lie), yesterday I stopped a 90 year man on a parking lot and we had an extensive conversation about his life. Ironically, his family lived not far where my family grew up in #OldWestBaltimore. It’s truly a small world after all.

Here’s some fascinating facts about older adults in the US:

* From 2023-2024, the 65 and older population rose to over 61 million

* Almost 89,000 people live to age 100 or older

* Older adults are remaining active longer

These statistics prove that age is just a number. You’re only as old as you feel. #EldersMatter

#BlackHistoryisEverywhere

#NegroHistoryDetective

#ArtifactualJourney

Courtesy of Nanny Jack & Co Archives