This final chapter will summarize the major themes of the book and discuss the essential steps needed to attain spiritual and emotional freedom in the land where our ancestors were enslaved.

This chapter will discuss the power of African American expression and its impact on the rest of humanity. Tracing the origins of this gift back to the plantation, this chapter will take a closer look at the original purpose for this gift, how it is currently being abused, and why we misrepresent and degrade ourselves as a culture. How can a person or group of people heal if they glorify their own suffering? How can a traumatized person or group of people begin to heal wounds and open themselves to love?

After slavery, our ancestors each generation were left with one essential question: How should we live in this country? This chapter will identify the major ideologies held by prominent African American leaders throughout history, specifically in regards to this essential question. It will also discuss the differences between these varying philosophical branches , how I believe they eventually converged together, and, most importantly, why they converged together. Learning from this history, I will elaborate on how I believe we should move forward as a collective group.

This episode will detail the emotional scars and broken family dynamics passed down to each generation from slavery. It is important for us as human beings to understand our suffering in order for peace of mind and healing to commence. Our hearts have been neglected for too long. It is time we understand and begin to truly love.

In this chapter, I will tell an extremely powerful story of bondage, oppression, and pain. I encourage you to put yourself in the story, because we must truly understand and remember what our ancestors endured in order to truly honor them.

We must always remember...

In this chapter, I detail the importance of understanding the sacrifices of the previous generations in order to gain a sense of duty to make the most of the lives we have been given. I also detail my growth as a young black child feeling obligated to help my community and how this, along with my upbringing, led to my life and career paths.

How can we honor our ancestors? What responsibility do we have as the recipients of their hard work and sacrifices?

In this introduction, I detail why I have been inspired to create this book, and why I believe this conversation is important. The African American experience in the United States is very unique, intricate, and profound. Because of this, I believe the journey from bondage to freedom must also be viewed through a spiritual and emotional lens in order for us to honor our ancestors, heal our hearts, and find happiness in the land where they suffered.

This is the story of the Children of Bondage.