The Power of Names: Reclaiming Identity and Heritage

What’s in a name? For enslaved people, names were more than just words—they were stolen, twisted, and erased by the slave codes. Yet, reclaiming or renaming became acts of defiance, identity, and hope. Let’s explore how enslaved people used names to preserve their heritage and regain their humanity.

The Erasure of Identity

1. The Slave Codes and Naming:

   • Enslavers often stripped individuals of their African names, replacing them with generic or demeaning ones. This was a deliberate act to sever cultural ties and assert dominance.

2. The Pain of Erasure:

   • Losing one’s name meant losing a piece of oneself—a cruel strategy to dehumanize and control.

The Act of Reclaiming Names

1. Reclaiming Identity:

   • Many enslaved people secretly kept their original names alive within their communities. These names often carried meanings tied to lineage, values, or resistance.

2. Renaming as Freedom:

   • After emancipation, freed individuals often chose new surnames, such as Freeman or Washington, symbolizing their independence and aspirations.

3. Cultural Significance of Names Today:

   • The modern revival of African names and naming traditions is a powerful way to honor ancestors and reclaim lost heritage.

Reflection for Today

They may have taken the names, but they couldn’t take the pride. A name reclaimed is a heritage restored. What does your name mean to you? How does understanding the history behind naming practices shape our perspective on identity and self-expression?