Changing My Line Name: My Kujichagulia Thoughts

2022.1.10 LINE NAME CHANGE

From Poizon to EliiixZer: My Kujichagulia Thoughts

To define ourselves, name ourselves, create for ourselves, and speak for ourselves.

Kujichagulia (Self-Determination)

On Moonday, December 27th, 2022, the second day of Kwanzaa, Kujichagulia came…so until December 27, 2023, I will share my journal entries on the practical application of the Kujichagulia principle on Mondays. The topic of sorority and fraternity line names fall right into the pocket.

Those of us who are a part of the Divine 9, (Alpha Phi Alpha, Kappa Alpha Psi, Phi Beta Sigma, Omega Psi Phi, Iota Phi Theta, Alpha Kappa Alpha, Delta Sigma Theta, ZETA PHI BETA, Sigma Gamma Rho) know much about the process crossing the burning sands and line naming ceremonies. I often found myself wondering if we really understood the true essence of these practices, especially naming ceremonies.

Since joining a sorority, Zeta Phi Beta, life has journeyed me back to the ancient African traditions of our ancestors. I experienced three naming ceremonies within. Each name I received was a name that clicked in my soul and spoke to my true spirit. Each name I witnessed another receive was equally rewarding. This brought the derogatory, disrespectful way in which we do line naming to light. This is the part of the Divine 9 experience needs to become more African and less Greek. In the spirit of Kujichagulia, I changed my line name, wrote a poem about it, and take this moment to encourage all within the Divine 9 to change their line names if they give you any negative vibration. I’ll even help if you need it. I did, and it feels soooo sweet to go from “Poizon” to “EliiixZer.”