The Roots Nourish The Fruits
Thankful Thursday Sis!
I hope the week has been amazing for you so far. If you’re having a tough time this week, I’m here to remind you that whatever you’re facing has no power over you. You get to decide what holds space in your energy bubble. Anything that is counter-productive to your goals and well-being, release.
"One of the lessons that I grew up with was to always stay true to yourself and never let what somebody else says distract you from your goals." – Michelle Obama. Don’t let anyone or anything distract you from your goals, not even yourself.
Gratitude for Family and Community: This Thankful Thursday
On this beautiful Thankful Thursday, I want focus on the gratitude I feel for two cornerstones of my life: family and community. A huge source of inspiration and joy.
Family is the foundation of our lives. It's where our stories begin and where our roots are deeply planted. Growing up, my grandparents and elders instilled in me the importance of knowing our heritage, being proud of our divinely strong roots, and cherishing the bonds that hold us together. They taught me that family is not just about blood relations, but also about the love, support, and shared experiences that connect us.
Just as family is essential, so is community. I have been blessed to create sisterhoods in every place I've lived. These communities have been my safe space, offering support, encouragement, and a sense of belonging. Sistahs IN was born out of this very need – to create a safe, nurturing space for Black and Indigenous women to connect, inspire, and uplift one another. In recognizing the importance of family and community, we also acknowledge the role we play in each other's lives.
Reach Out: A Gratitude Exercise for Connection and Joy
Gratitude is more than just a feeling; it's a practice that when done right, will transform the way we think. When we take the time to recognize and appreciate the good things and people in our lives, we cultivate happiness, peace, and connection.
Take a few moments to sit quietly and reflect on the people who have made a positive impact on your life. It could be an old teacher who inspired you, a friend you haven't spoken to in a while, or a mentor who guided you through a tough time. Allow yourself to feel appreciation for the role they played in your journey.
Identify one person who stands out to you in this moment. It might be someone you haven't connected with recently, or someone whose influence you haven't fully acknowledged.
Reach out to this person. You can send a heartfelt message, write a letter, or even give them a call. Let them know that you were thinking of them, and express your gratitude.
After reaching out, reflect on how it felt to connect with that person. Notice any shifts in your mood or perspective. Did this exercise bring a smile to your face? If you didn’t feel any immediate shifts, that’s okay. Your expressed gratitude can make someone's day, lifting their spirits and reminding them of their worth and impact. As we navigate life, it's easy to overlook the small but significant ways others contribute to our well-being. Let’s make sure we are watering the seeds we want to grow.
Happy National Black Family Month!!!
July is National Black Family Month, a time dedicated to celebrating the strength, resilience, and unity of Black families. “Black Family Month was first recognized in 2006, to encourage the enrichment of families through education, health, and self-improvement; this observance also encourages us to support our loved ones, reflect with one another, and invest in and inspire the next generation.”
The history of Black families in America is a testament to resilience, strength, and unwavering spirit. From the dark days of slavery, through the struggles of the Civil Rights Movement, to the ongoing fight against inequality and injustice, Black families have been at the forefront of the American experience.
The American History of Black Families
During the era of slavery, Black families were often torn apart as spouses and children were sold to different owners. Despite these horrific conditions, many enslaved people managed to maintain familial bonds through oral traditions, secret meetings, and so many other forms of identifications and communications.
Following the Emancipation Proclamation, Black families faced the monumental task of building and rebuilding their lives. During the Reconstruction era, many worked tirelessly to reunite with lost loved ones, establish homes, and build communities.
As we revisit our history and reflect on the resilience and strength of Black families during National Black Family Month, it's crucial to shed light on some of the dark and often overlooked chapters in our past. These events are a reminder of the systemic racism and hostility that our ancestors endured, yet their persevering spirit paved the way for us.
A Journey of Hope and Survival
The Great Migration, spanning from 1916 to 1970, was a monumental shift in the demographics of the United States. Black families left the oppressive conditions of the South, where they faced disenfranchisement, economic exploitation, and rampant violence. However, their journey to northern and western cities did not quite welcome their presence.
The East St. Louis Massacre (1917): One of the most violent racial conflicts of the early 20th century occurred in East St. Louis, Illinois. Tensions over job competition between Black migrants and white workers escalated into a deadly riot. White mobs attacked Black neighborhoods, killing an estimated 100 to 200 Black residents, destroying homes, and forcing thousands to flee.
The Chicago Race Riot (1919): Part of the Red Summer of 1919, the Chicago Race Riot was sparked by the drowning of a Black teenager, Eugene Williams, who had drifted into a "whites-only" section of Lake Michigan. The incident led to widespread violence between Black and white communities, resulting in 38 deaths, over 500 injuries, and the destruction of numerous Black homes and businesses.
The Tulsa Race Massacre (1921): The Tulsa Race Massacre, saw one of the wealthiest Black communities in America, known as Black Wall Street, decimated. A false accusation against a Black man triggered an onslaught by white mobs, who burned down homes, businesses, and churches, killing an estimated 300 Black residents and displacing thousands.
The Rosewood Massacre (1923): In Rosewood, Florida, a prosperous Black town was destroyed after a false claim of assault by a Black man on a white woman. White mobs razed the town, killed at least six Black residents (though some estimates suggest many more), and forced survivors to flee, never to return.
The Detroit Race Riot (1943): During World War II, Detroit became a hotspot for racial tension due to the influx of Black workers in defense industries. In June 1943, a fight between Black and white youths escalated into a riot. The violence resulted in 34 deaths, 25 of whom were Black, and extensive property damage.
These massacres were not isolated incidents but part of a broader pattern of racial violence aimed at suppressing Black advancement and maintaining white supremacy. The trauma and loss experienced by Black families during these events have left lasting scars, yet they also underscore the resilience and determination of our communities.
Civil Rights Era: The mid-20th century saw Black families at the heart of the Civil Rights Movement, fighting for equal rights, desegregation, and voting rights. Leaders like Martin Luther King Jr., Malcolm X, and countless others emerged from strong family backgrounds that instilled in them the values of justice and equality.
Today, Black families continue to navigate systemic challenges while achieving remarkable success in various fields. From politics to entertainment, We are breaking barriers and setting new standards of excellence.
The Importance of Remembering
Understanding these dark chapters in our history is crucial for several reasons. Recognizing the atrocities faced by our ancestors is a step toward collective healing. It allows us to honor their sacrifices.
Educating ourselves and future generations about these events helps prevent the erasure of our history and ensures that the struggles and achievements of Black families are remembered and respected.
Despite the violence and oppression, Black communities have shown remarkable strength and unity. This legacy of resilience should inspire and empower us to continue striving for a bigger and brighter future.
As we observe National Black Family Month, let us remember the countless Black families who endured unimaginable hardships during the Great Migration and beyond. Their stories of perseverance and strength are the foundation upon which we build our future. The Roots.
3 Reasons to Celebrate Black Family Month
1. We pay tribute to the generations who endured unimaginable hardships and paved the way for our freedom and opportunities.
2. Strengthening family bonds is essential for building supportive and thriving communities. This month encourages us to reconnect with loved ones and nurture our relationships.
3. We celebrate the accomplishments of Black families in various fields, from arts and culture to education and entrepreneurship.
4. By acknowledging the challenges that Black families face, we can advocate for policies and initiatives that support our well-being and success.
5 Ways to Celebrate Black Family Month
1. Family Reunions: Host a family reunion to reconnect with relatives and celebrate your shared heritage. This can be a virtual or in-person event where you share stories, enjoy meals, and participate in activities that highlight your family's history.
2. Storytelling : Gather family members to share stories about your ancestors and their experiences. Recording these stories ensures that future generations can learn from and cherish their legacy.
3. Community Service: Volunteer as a family in your community. Whether it's organizing a neighborhood cleanup, mentoring youth, or supporting local Black-owned businesses, giving back together strengthens family bonds and contributes to community well-being.
4. Educational Activities: Take time to learn about Black history and culture. Visit museums, read books by Black authors, or watch documentaries that highlight the experiences and contributions of Black families.
5. Cultural Celebrations: Embrace your cultural heritage through music, dance, and art. Host a cultural night where you showcase traditional dances, play music, and create art that reflects your family's history.
BONUS- Advocacy and Awareness: Use this month as an opportunity to advocate for issues that impact Black families. Participate in community forums, support social justice initiatives, and raise awareness about systemic challenges.
As we reflect on our history and embrace our cultural heritage, let us remember that our ancestors' sacrifices and triumphs have paved the way for our successes. Together, we can carry on the torch of creating a future where Black families thrive, empowered by the love, support, and unity that have always defined our community.
By coming together, we can continue to support and uplift one another, ensuring that the strength and unity of Black families remain an unbreakable cornerstone of our society.
With gratitude and solidarity,
Devony (Deedee) Bailey
