Arutisuse (pronounced Ah-rut-tee-SUS-see) is a celebration that weaves together the essence of Foundational Black American culture—a tapestry of resilience, freedom fighting, and resistance. This annual commemoration pays homage to the resourcefulness of enslaved individuals who strategically planned their escapes during the antebellum slavery period in America.

In the traditional Foundational Black American TUT language, "Arutisuse" translates to "Arise." This term encapsulates the determination of freedom warriors who seized a unique opportunity during the Christmas season to break free. Slave owners, engrossed in holiday festivities, became less vigilant, creating a strategic window for planned escapes.

Moreover, the relaxed policies of Christmas granted enslaved Foundational Black Americans more access to visit family and friends on other plantations, providing a tactical advantage for those seeking freedom.

Arutisuse is intricately connected to the Junkanoo celebrations, where enslaved individuals paraded across plantations, playing instruments, and donning extravagant costumes—often with a subversive tone, mocking white slave owners. Some speculate that these festivities served as intentional distractions, diverting attention away from those attempting to escape to freedom.

Arutisuse, or Arise Day, is commemorated annually on December 24th. On this day, Foundational Black Americans symbolize empowerment by gifting a book to another person, honoring the ancestors who risked their lives to learn and pass on invaluable knowledge.

 Understanding the historical roots of Arutisuse is essential. Foundational Black Americans are the descendants of those who survived the horrors of American slavery, dating back to the first documented foreign settlers in 1526. Enslaved Black individuals, brought by Spanish colonizer Lucas Vázquez de Ayllón, launched a successful revolt, marking the beginning of a new historic chapter in what would become the culture of Foundational Black Americans.

Since 1526, the culture of Foundational Black Americans has been one of building, resisting, persevering, and fighting for justice. Arutisuse serves as a powerful testament to the strength, resilience, and enduring spirit of Foundational Black Americans—a celebration that recognizes, celebrates, and honors an exceptional lineage.