One of the most popular posts on this blog is one written several years ago entitled “What’s Your Slave Name?” That post goes into detail about how most CHOSSA (Children of Stolen & Sold Africans) still bear the last name of the White family who enslaved their ancestors. For those who don’t bear that White family’s name, it’s usually because an ancestor chose a new name once they became legally free to do so. Sadly, the only last names our forebears knew of at that time were all European in origin. So, while some CHOSSA may not bear the name of the exact White person who held their ancestors captive, they do still bear a White person’s last name. Today, you can change this, though!
As CHOSSA, we are African people and African people should have African surnames regardless of where we live now. Every other people group has retained their family surnames, but due to broken history we were denied that honor. We can begin the process of repairing this travesty on our own, though. See, I’m of the opinion that we need to shed the European names we’ve held onto for too long and begin adopting African surnames. A name change is not just something to do for one’s self, but this single act can have a positive impact on future generations as it restores African identity and creates a sense of pride in one’s heritage. Even if it’s not the exact last name of your true African family, a new last name of African origin is a lot closer to your true identity than Jones or Smith, don’t you agree?
Since writing that first post, I’ve received several messages asking how one can go about changing their last name. My answer is always the same in that it depends on where you live. This is because, in some states, you are within your legal right to change your last name by something known as the “usage method”. Simply by beginning to use a new name, it is done. However, with more focus on security against identity theft and fraud, even in states where the usage method is legal, one must still get a court decree to change a last name on the following:
- Drivers License or State ID
- Passport
- Social Security Card
- Birth Certificate
- Voter Registration Card
Some people simply begin using a new last name and take their time in getting a court decree to change their name on the aforementioned documents. Others simply use a new last name, while leaving a legal last name intact. But, again, this depends on where you live. If you live in a state where it’s legal to do this, you’re good.
Entertainers are good examples of people who use names different from their legally recognized names. Think about rappers who often go by names that you know were not given to them at birth. I mean, do you think all of them are legally changing their names to ‘Lil So-and-So’ and ‘This-and-That Doll’? No, they are merely using one name in public and another on legal documents.
Now, while you technically may be able to simply change your last name by usage, this does not confer that name to your children and their children. To change your last name to something you can pass on, you’ll have to eventually do that legally. Again, check the laws of your state to learn how to go about this, but know that it’s not the most difficult thing in the world to do as people change their names every day when they get married or divorced. We also live in a time where people are choosing new genders and, along with that, new names. If these people can do it for their own personal reasons, you can change your name to help correct the wrong that was done to your ancestors.
In discussing name changes with someone on Instagram yesterday, I recalled the conversation Malcolm X had with White commentators who were intent on finding out what his last name had been at birth. Giving no credence to the name that came from a so-called “slavemaster”, Malcolm X was adamant in telling them he didn’t know his true last name since it’d been taken away from his forebears when they were held captive. They asked him whether he’d gone to court to change his last name to which he replied in no uncertain terms, “I didn’t have to go to court to be called Murphy or Jones or Smith.” The implication, of course, being that he didn’t have to get a court order to identify himself by a White man’s surname and, therefore, wasn’t going to ask the government’s permission to represent himself with his newly chosen last name. The whole exchange is beautiful and one you should definitely watch, so I’m just going to drop it for you here:
As usual, our elder made it nice and plain, right? So, it’s up to you (and the laws of your state) how you go about changing your last name. Most important is that you just do it!
There’s a video clip circulating social media where a CHOSSA gentleman is talking about hustling for your last name (in order to create a legacy for future generations). I don’t recall the exact wording, but you may have seen the clip already. While I definitely support building a legacy for one’s progeny, I’m not sure the speaker is conscious of the fact that the last name he’s seeking to build prominence around actually belongs to some White family back in history. If people want to hold onto that, that’s fine by me. But if you’re one who wants to reconnect with your Africanness, then, whether you can afford to move to the Motherland or not, allow her to live with you wherever you are now with a surname change.
Any questions or comments, please leave them below. Remember to share this post with someone who needs to hear it and let’s keep the conversation going on Instagram @blacktoafricamovement. See you there!