The First Meeting with Your Ethnic Group

There is a lot of excitement and anxiety about your initial encounter with your ethnic group.  So many questions come to mind.  Here are a few helpful tips to facilitate your first meeting.

Try to organize your thoughts and write the questions down before you meet them. Here are few questions you may consider asking.

1.  What is the name of the town, village or kingdom where the ethnic group originates from?

2.  What is some of the history of the people and their migrations?  Ask for resources, links or books.

3.  What are some surnames of ethnic group?

4. What are some given names, their meaning and the clan they are associated with?

5.  Do they conduct naming ceremonies?

6.  What are some traditions for men?  For Women? For Children?

7.  What languages do they speak?  Is there a source to learn these languaes?

8.  Are there any historical records in their town or village of the ancestors that were taken away into the middle passage?

9.  Do they have any observances or remembrances for them?  If not, would they like to start?

10.  What is the family structure?  What is the role of the woman?  The man?  The child?

11. Do they have an age-mate system here in America that can help you learn about your ethnic group?

12.  Is there a specific hairstyle or fabric that the family is to wear?

13.  What are the elders, priests and notables called? How should they be addressed?  How should you greet them?

14.  When visiting elders, priests or notables, are you required by custom to bring anything?  If so, ask for ideas on what to bring.

15.  What can you do to learn more about your ethnic group.

16.  May I share the information that you provide with my family and friends.

First impressions are lasting ones.  Learn some basic African etiquette 

Here: https://goo.gl/vDjGX7