Black History Month: Week 2: REFLECTION
- Madalyn McKnight
- Feb 7, 2017
- 2 min read
Do you know what it means to be black? Does anyone really know?The first post I ever created on this site was about blackness, but to be honest blackness is so unique and multifaceted that I have a hard time keeping one definition. It evolves as much as the person who is manifesting it. I encourage everyone to search in themselves to find out what it is that makes them tick. You can’t acknowledge something you don’t know. Take a long hard look in the mirror both physically and figuratively. Find out about your blackness and use it to manifest your dreams. You have everything you need inside of you, all you have left to discover is the key to unlock the door.
Listen to your mom, dad, grandparents and all who have toiled in life and have had to suffer from things they could not control. Ask them when they discovered they were black. If they don’t understand the question then break it down and ask them to dig deep inside and remember the moment that they learned that life sometimes is not to particularly kind to a person of color. No matter where you are from, your socio-economic status, or religious belief, we all have had to come to grips with the hatred in people’s hearts.
When you finally get a chance to look in the mirror what do you see? It’s easy to recall the greatness in other people of African descent but what about the greatness in you? That’s what you should be on a mission to discover every day of your life. This year, I remember, acknowledge and reflect on the efforts of others. Their trials and their road to self-discovery have aided in my own.
When I look in the mirror I see resilience. It’s skin deep and penetrates the bone at the same time. My blackness is a reflection of my mother. A strong black woman who is a natural provider and protector. She can command a room with her bright smile and commanding voice. I am also a reflection of my father, a smart and charismatic man. As strong as he is charming. He’s a teacher and a student of life. I carry both of their blackness’ in mine.
I am proud to be black. Every strike against my skin color is a ruby in my crown. This pride is a light that shines as an example for other black girls who feel inadequate in the presence of others that society deems as the standard of beauty and intelligence. In the words of Deray McKesson, “I love my blackness and yours”. I hope your reflection is something you can be proud of too.
Be blessed Blackbirds
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