Stand Up. Stand Tall. Be Proud
Freedom, Joy, Peace, and equality are the goals.
Harriett Tubman has always been one of my favorite historical figures. I studied her life through elementary school and college. Every paper I needed to write, I wrote it on her. It wasn’t because I was lazy and recycled information, but I was OBSESSED with her; ultimately, she was my Shero.
Her faith, courage, and ability to adapt to whatever she faced. She won’t get credit for her sacrifice and accomplishments because she was a woman… A BLACK woman.
My favorite quote:
‘Twasn’t me, ’twas the Lord. I always told him, “I trust you. I don’t
know where to go or what to do, but I expect you to lead me,” and he always did.’
She stood up and took HUNDREDS of people along with her. She didn’t go just across one time and worry about herself. No. She went back repeatedly until she got those important to her and beyond.
I truly believe our job as women is to stand up and take others with us. The quote ‘Well-behaved women rarely make history comes to mind. We have to work twice as hard as men to get into certain places, but black women often have to work two times harder than that just to be seen as equal.
Women like Maya Angelou, Rosa Parks, Shirley Chisholm, Dorothy Height, Phillis Wheatley, Cicely Tyson, Michelle Obama, Kamala Harris, and Stacey Abrams have all faced adversity in their positions. Still, they stood like Harriett, not just for black women or women of color but for women in general. They’re okay with the hatred and the mocking but hold their heads high because they know their sacrifice will make it easier for the next generation to complete the work that was started years ago.
Freedom, Joy, Peace, and equality are the goals.
These women stood tall because they knew their work would pay off if not for them in this time for future generations of leaders. Some of the most significant change in history was because women pushed and encouraged each other and took the time to understand each other and come together.
It’s hard to choose when it comes to black history month and celebrating the greats before us. It’s hard to focus because so many who willingly sacrificed it all so that I could have a chance to finish the race they started. They passed the baton to us, and we’re standing proud behind their work and making our own mark on it.
We now have more and more allies in other communities and nationalities fighting for us. I have some white friends who will jump to squash racism quicker than I could. They’re willing to sacrifice speaking to members of their family and leave positions in solidarity because they realize what we’ve experienced in the open and in private, and they want to be a part of the change.
They’re willing to use their businesses and brands to influence change because they know it’s needed. They understand we’re all a part of the human race and that all lives matter, but Black Lives and Brown Lives are currently in danger and need justice and officials in the office to help us make the change.
‘I’m my Ancestors Wildest Dreams’ is the quote and affirmation I tell myself daily as I listen to ‘Stand Up’ by Cynthia Erivo. Daily say to my children to speak up, be kind, and show love first, and if people meet you with hatred, that’s their problem. We’re satisfied with more love than hate. You have to pray for them and move on.
I speak life into my children and the women around me, making their mark on their perspective industries. We’re everything our ancestors dreamed about.
Business owners, thriving families, homeowners, college-educated, creative, and free to do what our hearts desire.
Walk like your ancestors are right there with you. They are pushing you and supporting you. Make them proud. Make their sacrifices worth it and do whatever you must so our children don’t have to fight the same battles we’ve seen repeatedly. Teach your children acceptance and love. They don’t see a color until someone points it out and makes it more than it is.
Honor those before us for their strides as we genuinely move to make the world a better place.
Learn about the great men and women from various races who did things to improve us. Educate yourself.
Originally Written August 1, 2022 (NakeshiaShannon.com)