-Elder Small, “Ankh em Maat”
About the Author
Thank you for taking the time to visit my website and for your interest in my research and writing. For over fifty years, I was mentally, socially, and spiritually shaped by European indoctrination-a process reinforced by religious dogma, flawed educational systems, socioeconomic discrimination, segregation, and racism. As the years passed, a persistent inner voice made me question my faith and beliefs.
Motivated by a deep, inner desire to seek knowledge, truth, and a more inclusive worldview, I began a personal exploration of history, spirituality, and culture. Following years spent in sales, during which I enjoyed financial success and material comforts, I consciously chose to step away from that lifestyle to delve deeper into the nature of good and evil. This mental-spiritual transformation also led to a
deeper awareness of the existence of my ancestors and the African presence before, during, and after the Transatlantic Slave Trade and Colonialism. Rather than defining my life by credentials and degrees, I focus on purpose, meaning, and experience. Throughout my journey, I have endured storms, faced battles, and made difficult choices, all of which taught me the true meaning of resilience-a quality intrinsic to the evolution and identity of Africans and their descendants in the Diaspora. At one point, I felt overwhelmed by restrictive religious doctrine, dogma, and customs. Breaking free from these constraints led me to study ancient literature and spirituality.
Spirituality is a portal to the inner self, and the inner self is the nexus to the higher self. My awareness of my inner self has augmented my understanding of oneness and unity. It has also taught me that life is interconnected and everlasting, meaning that we are spiritual beings, having a human experience. Our bodies serve as a temple for our spirit, the outer being an emanation of the inner, and the inner being an emanation of the outer. We are eternally connected to our Creator, never separated-not even when our bodies dissolve or die.
As I reflect on my life, one thing is constant: change. Change stares me in the face; it accompanied me throughout the days, years, and decades of my life. Change is present in my physiological, psychological, philosophical, social, and spiritual growth and development. Hoping and believing that I have changed for the better, this website is my way of sharing the information that facilitated the changes in my life, changes that dispelled lies, illuminated truth, and taught me the essence of humility.
“Make your life the subject of intense inquiry, in this way you will discover its goal, direction, and destiny”
-Elder Small, “Ankh em Maat”