A fierce love

Hello Beautiful Human –

Pursuing justice need not be a laborious fight that leaves you constantly exhausted, sad, or overwhelmed.

I have come to believe that pursuing the Beloved Community is a lifelong journey that enriches, expands, and liberates no matter the current circumstances.

As a lifelong social change agent, I cannot give enough gratitude for the wisdom, courage, and unrelenting vision of the Black Leaders I have had the privilege of learning from.

Happy Black History Month – a cultural institution built on love and truth.

Without Black History Month would you know the brilliance of Frederick Douglass, Harriet Tubman, James Baldwin, or so many others? It was the visionary leadership of individuals who pushed and made this happen – from a week in 1926 to a month in 1976.

Student Artwork from Battleground Elementy

Non-Anglo history months of celebration are important, not only to expand our knowledge beyond the white centering narratives, but they also impact the internal narratives of belonging and possibility for individuals within a country that historically white washes history. (I will have to expand upon this from my masters thesis on leadership self-efficacy in another newsletter).

Authentic Leadership requires a deep self knowledge, and no American can fully know their power, influence, and potential roadblocks within social change without an understanding of the multicultural context of American history.

Thanks to the study of epigenetics we also now know that history – the resilience and trauma experienced by our ancestors, actually impacts our DNA and behavior patterns.

Culturally-rooted leadership coaching matters because embodying transformation is greatly served by understanding our context.

Why do you feel like you can only take up 1/12th of the room when your Anglo male counterparts feel comfortable taking 110%? … It’s historical.

With knowledge and awareness come the opportunity to reframe and reclaim our empowerment. Black History Month is a celebration and reminder that Black History is American History. All. Year. Long.

And no matter your background, your life and social change work will be benefited by knowing Black History.

For example, no one can deny the power of the Civil Rights Movement in establishing a more equitable future, but it is important to remember that at the time most of the country thought it was outlandish, crazy, illegal and dangerous.

So when we say, abolish ICE, preserve democracy, and believe that we CAN create a society that values human dignity and protects the planet, it may feel like a far off dream in the dystopia we are experiencing right now. But MLK Jr. taught us to not only dream – but to March, to Act, to Reform, and to Believe that LOVE is more powerful than hate.

May we not only be inspired, but also emboldened by Black History.