Nineteen Fifty-Six Vol.4 Issue 2

Letter from the Editor
I’m often struck by the dynamism of families
— how their experiences, conversations and
traditions weave together to create something
wholly unique. At times, the experiences may feel
like a whirlwind, filled with so many emotions.
But it is within these moments that some of life’s
most poignant lessons are learned, and in the case
of my family, they have been an endless source
of inspiration, laughter and even occasional
frustration.
Growing up in a Black family, we’ve learned to
navigate a world filled with both overt and subtle
biases. We’ve discovered the strength that comes
from standing tall in the face of adversity and the
deep roots of resilience that anchor us through
life’s storms. We’ve experienced the beauty of
our shared heritage and the joy of embracing our
culture through food, music and celebrations.
It’s through our stories that we not only preserve
our history, but also celebrate our achievements,
learn from our challenges and find inspiration in
our shared experiences. Celebrating all the unique
tapestries of love, struggle and joy that make each
family so special.
I believe in the power of these stories to connect
us and remind us of the importance of cherishing
our loved ones while they’re still here.
With Rooted we’ve emphasized the importance of
intergenerational relationships. Understanding
that one day, we will become the storytellers, the
historians of our family’s journey. So, I urge you
to make it a point to listen to the stories of your
elders and pass on your own experiences to the
next generation.
We must recognize the importance of community
among Black people and being able to create
a family and a sense of solidarity that has
historically been a source of strength and
resilience in the face of adversity. However, I
also understand that this sense of community is
something that has been eroded over time, due
in part to the individualistic nature of modern
society. But I believe that by sharing our stories,
and coming together to celebrate our shared
history we can begin to rebuild the bonds that
once held us together.
Family dynamics are complex and multifaceted,
and every family looks different. But at the end
of the day, what matters most is the love that
binds us together — the laughter, the tears, the
struggles and the triumphs that we share. So, I
want to take a moment to thank the mothers, the
women who keep our families going, who uphold
our communities, and who inspire us with their
strength, their resilience, and their unwavering
love.
I want to dedicate this issue to all the families
I’ve built in this journey I like to call life. Thank
you to my Nineteen Fifty-Six family for creating
something so special to share with the community.
Thank you to friends who have become my chosen
family, you know who you are. Lastly, thank you to
my own family for believing in me, supporting me
and loving me the way y’all do. I love you all to the
moon and back.