I feel you breh.. I shoulda explained it properly. I’m speaking on immigrants who had different cultures where ‘surnames’ don’t exist. They have a more linier name, where it’s the son, father, grandfather and so on.That's great.
But, many AADOS have taken on these names for many reasons -- and have deep history attached to them. We should not be shamed -- or ashamed to have them either. We are STILL using these last names to connect with family we lost contact with from enslavement.
I recently connected with my 3rd maternal Great Grannie's sister's line. All because of that last name. They must have lost connection after reconstruction -- or the families just did.
On names -- If one chooses to change it -- so be it - I support it.
But, when I think of my last name I think of my enslaved ancestors -- and I'm proud -- of what they they endured -- and it gives me strength to know I can get through damn near anything.
But they have taken for example a grandfathers name and made it their surname for their whole family. In a way they adapt their names so they don’t stand out!