It’s February, Black History Month
This month is all about us.
The year is too… but I digress. Reflecting on what Black History means has me reflecting on my love for the culture, love for the people, love for family…
Black Love.
The concept of Black Love has sustained black people throughout some of the most challenging parts of our history and too often we don’t give ourselves enough credit for loving on each other the way we do.
The truth is, you can not adequately discuss the significance of Black History without talking about the undeniable presence and existence of Black Love. Too often we focus on the firsts or inventors, and repeat the same facts every year–and we should not discount that, BUT imagine teaching our children and the world that our history preceded slavery (hey first lady…I am talking about Lucy– read about her!) and includes more then the traditional ode to the top pick of the week.
Growing up, my mom had an Anheuser Busch poster that illustrated Beautiful Black Kings and Queens. She mounted the poster on posterboard (and of cropped their logo) and put it on my wall. It was my daily reminder of the royalty that runs deep in our veins. Together, my mother and I would name family members and friends who resembled the Black Kings and Queens. These moments were a full celebration of the tones, history and diversity that exist in our culture. This moment set the stage for what I still believe today: Black is Royalty. Black is Powerful. Black can never be erased.
Gary Chapman enlightened us with his best selling book “The Five Love Languages, How to Express Heartfelt Commitment to your Mate”. Shoutout to Gary for the insight (and possible arguments) these universal concepts presented in our relationship dynamics, but I also want to acknowledge a major point: the culture has more than five!
Black People’s Love Languages have been in existence for generations! You want something to eat? A love language. Ride with me down the street real quick. A love language. Dancing? A love language. Singing an old school cut? A love language. Dap, Handshakes, Laughter, and our compliments?! Absolutely love languages!
The resilience of our people to show love and support to one another surpasses society’s continuous efforts to downplay the power of Black Love.
When I say “we’ve been doing this”, we have always illustrated a form of love to and amongst one another that honors the power of Black culture and our ancestral connection.
Food is the foundation for keeping us together. When we consider the concept “there’s a seat at the table” Black people mean the dinner table. When asking for forgiveness it’s often “you hungry?”
In moments of grief: we send meals to our grieving loved ones. Food for us is a reflection of the comfort and safety we provide one another when we are together.
During the Civil Rights Movement the table served as a place for Black people and allies to strategize and formulate their next move while eating our favorite soul food dishes. Black food not only represents our love for food, but it also represents the deep desire we have to feel connected and heard in a space that tries to silence our voices.
The way Black people compliment one another during a hype session is the energy we all need (and deserve). Being Black means thriving in a language that is often unspoken but completely understood (from a head nod to an eye roll). The way we deliver a “YAASSSS” followed by “YOU BETTA” solidifies that you are in fact “killing it. ”
While our Black affirmations serve as the ultimate confidence boosters, these colloquialisms have become a survival tactic to navigate through a society that treats us as invisible bodies.
Black Music can stand on its own. Our music reflects our love for each other, for the culture and for the pride we share as a community. The root of our self expression relies on the creation of Black art in so many forms, including music, art and movement. As soon as the intro to “Before I Let Go” hits the speakers, Black people know exactly what to do. The song is the epitome of Black JOY! And speaking of Black joy…this month’s playlist is a reflection of the rhythms and melodies that have served as a soundtrack for our remarkable journey. Take a listen and enjoy!
The connection we have with words comes from our ancestors.
For me, reading serves as a gateway to the learning that was once denied them. When we have antagonists of Critical Race Theory (a concept they have taken completely out of context and attached a negative label to) attempting to dismantle the strides we have made, educating each other becomes a top priority.
The distinct nature of our movement, the rhythms of our bodies combined with the beats and melodies of our music are unmatched. There is a form of wellness that comes from having the ability to dance and move through your frustrations. The classic choreography in Alvin’s Ailey’s, “Revelations”, takes you on a journey of Black history through Negro spirituals, gospel and rich melodies. Without words, these movements perfectly align with the emotions we all feel.
Here’s the thing about love: you deserve it. Here’s the best part, Black Love is like 90s R&B, it’s real and it’s beautiful. My journey has allowed me the opportunity to sit in places that are beyond the dreams of my ancestors. I have learned that there is no greater love than the love one has for self. Black Love exists because our people chose to write, read, move, dance, create and inspire. Incorporate your black joy into your day, and be reminded of the power you have in controlling your own narrative. We deserve love and we will continue to fight for the freedom that belongs to us.
The rhythm and soul of our spirituality encompasses the ancestral love that is forever present in our black bodies. The prayers of our ancestors are still working today, and the legacy of Black History Month continues to live in every space we touch. In true Black fashion, allow me to close us out with a prayer from Mary McLeod Bethune, entitled “Symphony of Life”.
Shall we bow our heads?
Righteously and cheerfully,
