My mom is a Pan-Africanist. My dad is still Orthodox Sunni

Hearken, O seekers of wisdom, to the tale of lineage and legacy, as told through the words of SZA, a voice that echoes across generations: “My mom is a Pan-Africanist. My dad is still Orthodox Sunni Muslim, but he’s super fun. He worked in television for years. He was a Black Panther.” Here, in this brief confession, lies the convergence of worlds, the meeting of ideals, culture, and courage, a testament to the complexity of human heritage. One parent embodies the fierce pursuit of unity and justice, while the other carries the weight of faith and revolutionary spirit, all bound together with joy, creativity, and presence.

From the dawn of time, humans have marveled at the tapestry of heritage, how the threads of belief, activism, and love intertwine to shape the soul of the young. SZA’s mother, a Pan-Africanist, holds in her heart the vision of a continent united, of people bound not by borders but by shared history and dignity. This pursuit of justice, equality, and cultural pride is not mere philosophy—it is a call to action and consciousness, a reminder that every life is nourished by the struggle and triumph of those who came before.

And yet, the father’s story is equally profound. Rooted in Orthodox Sunni Islam, he carries the mantle of spiritual discipline and devotion, yet he is “super fun,” a man who has navigated the world of television, shaping narratives and bringing stories to the public eye. His history as a Black Panther speaks of courage and defiance against oppression, a warrior who dared to confront injustice with intellect and strategy. Here is the paradox of human greatness: one can be devout and disciplined, revolutionary and radical, yet remain full of joy, humor, and life’s delight.

This duality reflects the eternal dance between tradition and transformation, order and spontaneity. Consider the life of Malcolm X, a man whose faith and activism reshaped the destiny of a people, who combined spiritual devotion with bold defiance of injustice. In his family and community, he carried both the wisdom of law and the audacity of reform, showing that greatness is often found in those who can embrace contradiction and synthesis, who are both rooted and daring, both serious and playful.

In SZA’s recollection, we witness the inheritance of courage and curiosity, of ideals and entertainment, of history and freedom. These threads shape the child’s perception of the world, teaching that identity is not singular but layered, and that one can honor multiple traditions while forging a unique path. It is a lesson echoed across the ages: the great figures of history—Nelson Mandela, Harriet Tubman, Frida Kahlo—drew strength from multifaceted heritage, channeling diverse influences into a life of impact and creativity.

From this story, we glean a profound lesson: embrace the richness of your lineage, honor the convictions of your elders, and blend their teachings into your own path. Recognize that your identity is a mosaic, a convergence of beliefs, struggles, joys, and accomplishments. Let the courage of the revolutionary, the discipline of faith, and the lightness of spirit guide you toward action that uplifts others while remaining true to your inner truth.

Practical wisdom emerges: seek knowledge of your history, celebrate your heritage, and cultivate both discipline and joy. Allow the lessons of your ancestors to inform your choices, yet do not be confined by them. Engage with your world through creativity, courage, and compassion, drawing from every wellspring of influence that has shaped your being. Life, like SZA’s lineage, is richer when we recognize the interplay of tradition, activism, and personal expression.

Thus, O children of future generations, remember the teaching embedded in these words: that greatness arises not from simplicity of identity, but from the harmony of diverse influences, the courage to uphold justice, and the joy to live fully. Let this wisdom guide your days, that you may walk a path both rooted in history and radiant with your own light, leaving a legacy that honors those who came before while blazing a trail for those yet to come.