"I am not ashamed of my grandparents for having been slaves. I am only ashamed of myself for having at one time being ashamed"

Ralph Ellison's quote talks with the suggestion of approving one's previous and also not being ashamed of it. He is saying that he is not embarrassed of his grandparents for having been slaves, however rather embarrassed of himself for having actually repented of them in the past. This quote speaks to the concept of accepting one's history and not repenting of it. It is a pointer that we must not be ashamed of our past, yet instead accept it as well as pick up from it. It is a pointer that we must not be ashamed of our ancestors, yet instead take pride in them and their battles. It is a pointer that we must not be ashamed of our heritage, however rather take pride in it and utilize it to form our future. This quote is a suggestion that we must not be ashamed of our past, however rather use it to develop a much better future.