The Myth of the Black Ancestral Curse: Religion, Race, and the Psychological Legacy of Slavery!

The Myth of the Black Ancestral Curse: Religion, Race, and the Psychological Legacy of Slavery!

by Norris R McDonald (Author) 

Norris R. McDonald, DIJ CRT, Author, Economic Journalist, Poet, & Human Rights Activist 

Myth of the Black Ancestral Curse is a critical study of  phycological legacies of slavery and the role religion and race plays in reenforcing racist stereotypes. 

This book:

• Deconstructing the Curse of Ham, Colonial Lies, and the Struggle for Black Liberation
• How Slavery, Religion, and Myth Created Generational Trauma—and How We Break Free
• Unmasking Religious Racism and Reclaiming Black Spiritual Freedom

For centuries, Black people have been told that their suffering is divine punishment—ordained by God and passed down through a mythical “ancestral curse.”

In this powerful, eye-opening work, Norris R. McDonald, DIJ, dismantles one of the most enduring and damaging lies in Christian history: the so-called Curse of Ham. From the hymnals of colonial churches to the halls of modern academia, this myth has been used to justify slavery, colonization, and systemic racism.

With clarity, historical depth, and spiritual conviction, McDonald traces how scripture was distorted, how Black history was erased, and how liberation must begin with truth.

Drawing from the Bible, classical history, and Black theological thought, this short but impactful book challenges readers to confront religious indoctrination, reclaim their dignity, and break spiritual chains that have lasted for generations.
Whether you're a student of theology, an activist for racial justice, or a seeker of historical truth—The Myth of the Ancestral Curse will inspire, inform, and empower you.

The Myth of the Black Ancestral Curse is a bold and revelatory work that exposes how colonial powers distorted Christian doctrine to justify the enslavement of Black people. From the Curse of Ham to papal decrees that sanctioned genocide, Norris R. McDonald, DIJ dismantles centuries of theological manipulation and calls for spiritual truth, historical clarity, and psychological healing.

This book is a journey—from ancient African greatness to colonial oppression, from religious lies to liberation theology. A must-read for seekers of justice, students of history, and defenders of faith rooted in freedom.

We are not cursed. We are called.
The Myth of the Black Ancestral Curse is a bold and revelatory work that exposes how colonial powers distorted Christian doctrine to justify the enslavement of Black people. From the Curse of Ham to papal decrees that sanctioned genocide, Norris R. McDonald, DIJ dismantles centuries of theological manipulation and calls for spiritual truth, historical clarity, and psychological healing.

This book is a journey—from ancient African greatness to colonial oppression, from religious lies to liberation theology. A must-read for seekers of justice, students of history, and defenders of faith rooted in freedom.

Titled ‘The Myth of the Black Ancestral Curse: Religion, Race and the Psychological Legacies of Slavery’, this provocative and deeply researched essay confronts the historical and spiritual abuse of sacred texts that helped legitimise slavery, colonialism, and systemic racism.

“This is more than a critique – it is an act of intellectual liberation,” McDonald said. “The myth of a divine curse on Black people is not just false – it was fabricated to justify mass atrocities and to psychologically shackle generations of African descendants.”

The book pays special tribute to Professor Sheldon ‘Uwezo’ McDonald, a Caribbean legal scholar and revolutionary whose life and work inspired this essay. Drawing from Caribbean history, Pan-African philosophy, and biblical critique, McDonald examines how European empires - backed by religious institutions - constructed a theology of racial inferiority that lingers today in both church and state.

BOOK REVIEW: JAMAICA GLEANER
‘The Myth of the Black Ancestral Curse’

Norris R McDonald’s new book dismantles dangerous religious myth used to justify slavery and colonialism

Published:Wednesday | April 16, 2025

“Our ancestors were never cursed – they were targeted. And now it is time to reclaim the truth.”

A powerful new work by Jamaican author and public intellectual Norris R. McDonald, DIJ, is taking aim at one of the most insidious and enduring lies used to oppress Black people across the globe: the so-called Black Ancestral Curse.

KEY TOPICS EXPLORED:

• The origins and misuse of the so-called “Curse of Ham” doctrine

• How religious institutions gave moral cover to slavery and colonisation

• The psychological legacy of spiritual indoctrination in Black communities

• Resistance through Rastafari, Maroon heritage, and African spirituality

• A poetic invocation of liberation in the included poem ‘DRUMS’

• A moving tribute to Prof. Sheldon ‘Uwezo’ McDonald and his legacy

“This essay is a celebration of Black excellence and a call to reject inherited shame,” McDonald noted. “Our ancestors were never cursed – they were targeted. And now it is time to reclaim the truth.”

Published by Afro Caribbean Riddims via Amazon KDP, ‘The Myth of the Black Ancestral Curse: Religion, Race, and the Psychological Legacies of Slavery’ is available now in paperback and eBook on Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP).

About the author

Norris R. McDonald, DIJ, CRT, is a storyteller, cultural researcher, wordsmith and poet from the heart of Jamaica. His work blends humor, history, and heritage to preserve the vibrant spirit of the Caribbean.

With a voice as powerful as Granny’s slap and a pen dipped in sweet potato pudding, McDonald brings island folklore to life for readers across generations and continents.

Norris is an Author, Respiratory Therapist and Economic Journalist who writes public commentary features for the Jamaica Gleaner. He writes on critical issues regarding Political Economics, Health Care & Public Policies, Black Culture and, World Affairs.

The historical significance of Michael Jackson's contribution to Black history, culture and music!

The musical maestro and Black icon broke down the oppressive segregated barriers of music in racist White America in the 1960. This was when black people did not even have the right to vote. After achieving success Michael’s participated social struggle by way of speaking up to corporate America for the rights of other black artistes. Michael Jackson’s iconic musical achievements includes winning 13 Grammy Awards, including 8 for his albumTriller.

By Norris R McDonald SULFABITTAS NEWSMAGAZINE, Vol.1, No.16, Nov. 3, 2023

Black assertiveness in language, literature, politics, music and the arts was among the highpoint of the 1960’s and 1970s in white, racist, segregated America.

Michael Jackson’s rise to fame, as a Blackman, is therefore, of historical significance, given the oppressive social milieu in America.

“I am black and I am proud,” James Brown shouted. Therefore music was another political and cultural arena of battle in the 1960s.

The evolving political ethos of the 1960s was characterized by the Black civil rights struggle. This was a period when dogs were being set on black people: when those who stood up for justice were being killed.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jnr. was the leader of the overall social justices fight. However here, without losing sight of the broad socio-political context, we are focussing on Michael Jackson. as an iconic, musical maestro, who became a Black trail-blazer.

Michael Jackson became a bright star. He was, like many others, in his own way, a lighthouse shining the glorious potentials of Black people fighting to affirm human dignity.

Michael Jackson’s contribution to the Black civil rights movement was in various forms. As is recorded here by one writer on FanPop.com …

“Like his predecessors, Sammy Davis, Jr. and Sam Cooke, Michael took part in the movement as a Civil Rights activist speaking on behalf of other black recording artists.”

Given this perverse reality, various nefarious, diabolical schemes were used to keep Black folks at the bottom of the political, social and economic ladder.

It was out of this ethos, this boiling pot of cultural and social ferment, that Michael Jackson emerged to become a masterful musical messenger. 

The Jackson 5 rose to the top in a racist era of the 1967 when Emmet Till and many others were killed for their natural given rights. Michael Jackson and his siblings, Jackie, Randy, Tito and Jermaine contribution to music is exemplary. Janet, Latoya, Rebbie and JohVonnie complete the Jackson family. Janet Jackson went on to have a stellar music career.

In music, therefore as artistes, —- by becoming endeared in the hearts, mind and soul of America —- their achievements helped to shatter the myths and racist stereotypes imposed on Black people.

Their success undoubtedly help breakdown political social, cultural and racial barriers.

Michael was caught up in the tidal waves, crashing against the brutal seawalls of injustice. His successes, through his music, helped to strengthen Black pride and dignity. All successes were saluted; all pain was shared.

This was the same spirit that drove Frederick Douglas, Sojourner Truth, Marcus Garvey, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr, Bob Marley, among others, to become true Black Lighthouse keepers; to help us see our way out of darkness and spiritual despair. 

Despite oppressive conditions, in sports ‘n’ arts, music and other ares of life, Black people’s spirit could not be crushed.

Michael Jackson’s excellence is unchallengeable. His musical and artistic achievements are legendary.

Michael Jackson’s achievements includes:

Michael Jackson was inducted in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame twice. He has won 13 Grammy Awards, including 8 for the album, Triller

* Michael has won 13 Grammy Awards, including 8 for the album Triller.

* He has been twice inducted in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

• * He opened doors for other black artistes on radio and TV.

• * Billions of people worldwide have been influenced by his music, songs and performances.

• Michael Jackson has made a tremendous, perhaps unrivaled, contributed to the elevation of black self-esteem, especially in the younger generation.

Michael Jackson visited the People’s Republic of China in 1987, but although he never performed there, his spirit lives on among the younger generation.

Wang Jingyuan is a Chinese musical aficionado who has been imitating Michael Jackson for many years.

Wang Jingyuan is a Chinese fan with his ‘life-like’ Michael Jackson performances. (As seen in his YouTube video above). And it is in this sense, we see that Michael’s spirit is alive among fan’s worldwide.

Despite, the painful tragedies of Michael Jackson’ life, and his sudden demise, doesn't take anything from the black legendary, King of Pop culture.

Michael Jackson, The King of Pop Culture
 

People of all races, culture, religion, ethnic and social background have embrace Michael Jackson.

Michael Jackson helped to desegregate music and culture in America.

Rolling Stone Magazine called Michael Jack “a black superhero” as they paid tribute to his contribution to world music and culture.

“In death, his songs have been liberated from his eccentricities like ghosts released from a haunted mansion, free again to fly through the air and spread joy,” Rolling Stone Magazine said.

Michael Jackson was an exemplary artiste who despite any limitations, demonstrated his love and compassion for people, the arts and the environment.

Despite the tragedies, at the end of his career, clearly, there is no equal to Michael Jackson, in terms of his creative genius as a song writer, choreographer, singer, and iconic, legendary performer.

…AFRO CARIBBEAN HEALTH & WELLNESS VYBZ

Great surprising health benefits and Traditional use of Jamaican Senna …. wonderful ‘King of the Forest!’ herb!

By 

Norris R McDonald, Respiratory Therapist

‘King of the forest’ (Senna Alta) as been long used in Jamaica as a traditional herb for ‘bush medicinal’ purposes.

In Jamaica, studies indicate that king of the forest could also be effective in reducing blood pressure, confirming one traditional use.

TRADITIONAL USE AS A MEDICINAL HERB

Overall, the most common use is as a laxative but a small cup of tea seems to be ok.

A tea made from the leaves of king of the forest is used in the Caribbean and particularly Jamaica to fortify and cleanse but a tea made from the leaves can be used topically for various skin conditions.

·      Antibacterial

·      Antimicrobial

·       Anti fungal

·       Analgesic

·      Anti-hypertension

·      Anti-inflammatory properties

HOW TO MAKE KING OF THE FOREST TEA

*Use 1 leave per cup

* Let in sit in a covered cup of boiled water

* Add 1 teaspoon of honey or, 1 cinnamon stick for taste.

You can also drink your tea unsweetened since it is pleasantly mild

Garden-lovers will enjoy the beauty and natural shade it brings.

It is great to wake up to the bright golden early morning sunlight appear

to embrace and kiss the rhythmic swaying, king of the Forest plant.

such natural beauty is invigorating to you soul!

It bringing joy to your eyes, heart and mind.

Bees and butterflies love the Senna plant too.

King of the forrest is a beautiful addition to your garden. 

It adds aesthetic value or, ‘eye-candy’ and'; if you are like me, 

a quiet reading and writing spot!

[NOTE: Studies about the nutritional and health benefits of King of the Forrest

 is reported online but may  not have been reviewed by health experts. 

But nothing published here in SULFABITTAS NEWSMAGAZINE

 Should be construed as an explicit recommendation. This article reviewed 

the homeopathic value of cultural and traditional health of people in developing 

societies. This information has not be reviewed by the FDA. This being said,

 it must be stressed, that the above information provided for educational, 

informational and health and wellness entertainment purposes. 

It is not intended as a prescribed remedy  or substitution for seeing your 

family physician. Always be careful when drinking any herbal tea and

 ask you doctor before imbibing].