Today's Black Love History Lesson  | Jumping The Broom

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If you watched Season 11 of "Married at First Sight" with Woody and Amani, you fell in love with their love story just like the rest of us. But it was the way they jumped the broom that had me giving a standing ovation in my pj's. Yes, yes, and more yes to bringing Black history and culture into their wedding - and subsequently into our homes and hearts.

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In time of slavery, Black people weren't considered citizens and they weren't allowed to marry. However, that didn't stop them finding ways to celebrate their love and commitment. Rather, they created their own “wedding” ceremonies, including the ritual of jumping the broom.

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In Ghanaian tradition, the broom symbolized the sweeping away of wrongs of the past, and was waved over the bride and groom to swipe away negativity from the couple's future.

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And two centuries later, Black brides and grooms are honoring their ancestors by continuing the tradition today.