Clovis Honoré was born and raised amidst the social turbulence of the 1960s and the cultural renaissance of the 1970s in South Central Los Angeles. He entered San Diego State University in 1978 and through his community work Clovis has advocated for social justice serving on boards and in organizations including UAAMAC, San Diego Area Congregations for Change, Alliance for African Assistance and San Diego Black Health Associates. Clovis is chair of the Social Justice Board at Christian Fellowship Congregational Church and is past president of the San Diego Branch of the NAACP. Clovis works for GRID Alternatives.
“Ancestral Wisdom”
The knowledge, values, practices, and insights passed down through generations—often rooted in the lived experiences of indigenous peoples, elders, and cultural traditions. It includes ways of understanding nature, community, health, spirituality, and relationships that have stood the test of time.
Connection to Nature
Living in deep harmony with the Earth, understanding natural rhythms, respecting ecosystems, and practicing sustainable living. This knowledge recognizes
• Seasonal cycles
• Herbal medicine
• Agricultural methods like permaculture
• Animal tracking and weather prediction
Community and Interdependence
Ancestral societies often prioritize the collective over the individual. Some key values:
• Elders as wisdom keepers
• Shared child-rearing and labor
• Oral storytelling as a way to educate and preserve history
• Conflict resolution through communal dialogue
Spiritual Practices and Beliefs
Spirituality in ancestral wisdom is deeply integrated with daily life:
• Ceremonies and rituals to honor ancestors or spirits
• Practices of gratitude, fasting, and prayer
• Respect for the unseen or metaphysical world
Examples of Ancestral Wisdom Traditions
African Ubuntu Philosophy – “I am because we are.”
Native American Teachings – e.g., the concept of the “Seventh Generation.”
Chinese Taoism – Harmony with the Tao (the natural way).
Hindu Ayurveda – Ancient system of holistic health.
Maori Whakapapa – Genealogy and connection to land and spirit.
