“The Ancestors Are Leaving Empty Pages To Be Written. Where’s Your Pen?” - Ayesha Jaco
This week’s episode of the Broken Traditions podcast is one of deep reflection, gratitude, and purpose. As I sit back and consider the sacrifices my ancestors made—the pain they endured, the dreams they dared to have in the face of overwhelming adversity—I realize just how much I owe them. I realize that my every step forward, every goal I chase, and every obstacle I overcome is a testament to their strength. And, most importantly, I realize I cannot afford to fail—not for myself, but for them.
Honoring Their Struggles
Our ancestors lived through unimaginable pain and suffering. They were denied education, housing, job opportunities, and even their basic humanity. Yet, they persevered. They dreamed of a day when their descendants would have the freedom to live without the weight of oppression. Today, we stand in that dream, but do we recognize it? Do we embrace the opportunities they paved with blood, sweat, and tears? Or do we allow ourselves to be shackled by a victim mentality, failing to seize the privileges they fought so hard to secure?
Why Gratitude is Non-Negotiable
It’s easy to take for granted the freedoms we have today—voting, education, career opportunities, and the ability to live wherever we choose. But let’s not forget that there was a time when these were wild fantasies for Black Americans. A time when simply looking a white person in the eye could cost a Black man his life. A time when the thought of a Black family in the White House was more science fiction than reality.
This week, I explore why living a life of purpose and excellence is the ultimate tribute to those who came before us. Complaining about hurdles that pale in comparison to what they endured dishonors their memory. Our ancestors faced walls, not hurdles—and still, they found ways to climb, break, or go around them. What’s our excuse?
The Duty to Break Cycles
This podcast is more than a personal reflection—it’s a call to action. It’s about breaking free from negative traditions and toxic cycles that hold us back. My family’s story illustrates this perfectly. My brother’s generation relied on record labels for success in music, with little control over their careers. Today, my son is creating his own music career, owning his creativity and building his brand without needing permission. That’s the power of progress, and it’s what my ancestors’ sacrifices have made possible.
Through Broken Traditions, my wife and I are doing our part to honor their legacy. From creating an online book club that shares untold stories of Black excellence to fostering spaces where we can learn and grow together, we are writing in the pages our ancestors left blank.
Why This Episode Matters
This episode is a reminder to all of us that we are the wildest dreams of those who came before us. The opportunities we have today are a direct result of their sacrifices, and it’s our duty to make the most of them. Living small, thinking small, or staying stuck in a cycle of oppression dishonors the legacy they left behind.
It’s not just about breaking free from toxic traditions in Black culture—it’s about breaking free from toxic traditions in every culture. Whatever your background, we all have ancestors who endured hardships so that we could thrive. Let’s honor them by living boldly, embracing gratitude, and striving for excellence.
Join me in this week’s episode as I dive deeper into these reflections, sharing stories, lessons, and a heartfelt message of hope. Let’s make our ancestors proud, one step at a time.
"Listen to the full episode on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you stream podcasts. Let’s carry the torch of our ancestors and write the pages they left for us."