As a child, I really disliked the family tree activity because I didn’t know much about my family history beyond my grandparents. As I’ve moved through life, I began to appreciate the importance of knowing my roots and ensuring generations to come had a sense of family pride. We had worked hard as a family to pull ourselves out of abject poverty and we’re proud of what we have accomplished. I wanted to make sure we memorialized who and what we stand for in a country that often tries to erase Black history.
So, a decade ago, I did what many of you have done and opened an account on Ancestry.com where it’s been fascinating to find connections. In 2024, I took it a step further and designed and launched a family crest. I didn’t do it on my own though. I asked my family elders what was important to them and designed the crest with their wishes in mind.
Here is the key to what each piece of the crest symbolizes for my family:
J = Jones; my grandfather’s last name
L = Lowery; my grandmother’s maiden name
Book = represents the Bible and education
Fire = represents passion
Cross (part of shield) = represents our faith
Lion’s mane = royalty
Latin phrase = loving, determined family
We also have a merchandise site so people can purchase gear for family reunions or wear family pride whenever they feel moved. The hope is we can have enough revenue to support family reunions and a scholarship for family members who want to go to school.
I shared about my family crest in my book, and many people have asked me if they can borrow my idea. I didn’t invent the crest and I’m sharing in hopes that other families may be moved to capture what symbolizes what’s important to them! So, feel free to copy the idea. Someone 100 years from now will thank you!
Crowns Up!
More on Angela Jones, JD can be found at www.angelajonesjd.com.