Tomorrow, February 1st, a whole lot of well-intentioned folk will do their best to engage in “Black History” activities for the next 28 days. I beg you, before you start your journey; before you start that “rightous” discussion please consider the impact of your actions/gestures. Consider the trauma you might trigger by revisiting the senseless murder of an unarmed blackman, or a discussion about the over-policing people of color experience daily, or even the “time you went to a rally” to support your Black friends. You see, while all of that may be rooted in good intentions, too often it serves as a trigger to an experience that does not mirror yours if you have not lived as a person of color in our country or been a target of wanted attention. Ways consider the impact over the intent.
Instead, engage in other opportunities or celebrations of contributions that Blacks have given to our nation, to our world for that matter. I know I should not have to say this, but I will just for those wondering; no the contributions of Blacks didn’t begin with the ensalvement of their ancestors and quite frankly don’t end with their participation in the NBA or NFL. Contributions made by Black people are vast and significant.
So here is a challenge for you, seek to celebrate the contributions of Black people beyond February. More importantly, add to the discourse in authetic ways, challenge yourself to dig deeper than what the media outlets want you to know.
Specifically, since I am results driven and oriented, here is “something” you can actually do. We have all heard of Random Acts of Kindness, I am challenging us all to Operation: NO SHORTAGE. I believe, there is no shortage of folks, in particular Black folks doing good and standing in the gap for our community. Let’s change the narrative, offer a counter-story if you will, during the month of February… and beyond. Go out and find someone in your community making a positive impact, reach out to them thank them for their service and ask how you might collaborate in their efforts. For fun, create a post on your social media platform and tag me. Please include the following hashtags: #noshortage #beyondfebruary #drtiffanyspeaks
Share the challenge, let’s make it a movement y’all! Can’t wait to see the posts.
Here are my social media platforms: Instragram: oneterrificteacher Twitter:@drsmithsimmons FaceBook: Tiffany Smith-Simmons
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