What’s in a name?

Just before the turn of the millennia, I received an invitation to participate in an African naming ceremony at the Saint Peter’s Lutheran Church in Rosedale, New York. This was just about the time my ethnocentric edge began to return.

Needless to say, as I prepared for the occasion, I scoured online sources and books—whether in my library or that of others. It took some time, but I finally did come to piece together a series of names I thought represented my personality. Little did I know the order in which those names would appear would reveal more as the years passed by.

The first of the names, Abay, is of Ethiopian origin and means “someone who doesn’t give up.” The second name, Mudada, is of Shona origin and means “provider.” The third name, Baruti, is from Tswana and means “born to be a teacher.” The fourth name, Kamau, was selected to serve as the surname is of Ngoni origin and means “quiet warrior.” By chance, if there is such a thing, I selected the name that meant “One who is a relentless provider, born to teach as a quiet warrior.”

I now realize what I failed to appreciate was the significance of the ceremony that was presided over by Dr. Molefi Kete Asante with the assistance of Dr. Julius Garvey. I mean, who just casually participates in a ceremony with one of the foremost Afrocentric professors and leading authorities on African culture and philosophy and Dr. Julius Garvey, who continues to work towards exonerating his father’s name?!

My social media handles tend to bear the names @AbayKamau, “A quiet warrior who does not give up.” Those who know me are affirmatively shaking their heads; those who do not are wondering how true it might be. My non-fanatical ethnocentric edge is all about working with and on behalf of the next generation … Black youth.