Issue 121
Black History Improves Mental & Emotional Responses
Hello Beautiful Human –
We are in the final week of focused attention on Black History.
My hope is that this month of newsletters has inspired you to integrate more Black educators, perspectives, and knowledge into your practice.
From a neuroscience perspective, our brain works on a system of recognizing patterns and predicting useful behaviors.
It works with the information it is given and experienced. When faced with something completely new to us there are a variety of responses – fear, bewilderment, confusion, to name a few.
The experience of the murders of Renée Good and Alex Pretti along with the government’s response has been a complete shock for many.
And yet, for those who know Black History, the emotional memory of witnessing murder at the hands of law enforcement officials with no justice in sight, is less new.
It is said, that fascism in America is nothing new as it was previously experienced by Black Americans under the Jim Crow Laws. But it is rarely discussed in such terms.
It behooves those of us who desire to create an equitable and just future to learn more Black History. Including a broader understanding of the Black Panther Party and stories of incredible activists like, Fred Hampton, founder of the Rainbow Coalition that brought together Young Lords (Latinx) and Young Patriots (white Southerners) to fight police brutality, poverty, and substandard housing and who was murdered by the FBI/Police in 1969.
Amplify voices of Color – Street art on Hennepin Ave. Summer 2020.
I wonder, if the recent history of George Floyd’s murder in Minneapolis, had in fact, neurologically prepared many local activist and social change agents to move past shock and into courageous, focused, action.
“To Ignore evil is to accomplice it”- MLK Street Art on Hennepin Ave. Summer 2020
If the United State’s education had truly integrated the history of all Americans, perhaps the country would have been quicker to see the patterns of scapegoating, division, and disinvestment of the public good. Perhaps there would be less shock and more clear minded action.
The Mayor of Chicago, Brandon Johnson demonstrates this clarity of thought and unwavering conviction to justice and accountability.
Image from @chicagomayor IG Reel
He is rooted in history and in the certainty of the work of his ancestors to move forward true liberation. (If you are in need of a little inspiration check out his videos on IG.)
With a deeper and more diverse understanding of America we can more effectively develop the systems, engage in the healing, and build a better future.
As social impact leaders, our work lies within a larger context of social forces, political decisions, and cultural norms. The more Black History we learn, the more equipped our mind and emotions are to respond to injustice.
George Floyd Square Summer 2020
Discovery Calls are for High Performers
These exploratory sessions are for high performers and motivated individuals who happen to feel stuck and tired.
“I used to think, coaching is for people who were really struggling. I’m seeing it very differently now and am so excited to build the skills we identified on the Discovery Call”. -A New Client
The boss of this new client had recommended she schedule a discovery call with me. The suggestion amplified a fear in her mind that maybe she was underperforming, or maybe she wasn’t good enough for the role.
I explained that anyone can pick up a sport for fun, but those who get a coach have potential and are serious about upleveling their skills and improving their game. It is the same within leadership coaching.
If you’ve been holding back, thinking, I don’t need coaching, but you have a desire in you gut to create more joy and empowerment in your life and uplevel your leadership skills – now is the time to book a call.
In a discovery call we find the roadblocks (mental/emotional/
