What does Black History Month (BHM) mean to you and why is it important to celebrate BHM?
There is a much larger conversation to have around this, but I would say Black History month is moment to reset, realign and allow myself to be consumed with all that is Black and beautiful, without explanation or apology. There is no escaping, that for some, BHM isn’t much more than a poor and temporary effort to seem interested in the black experience. Otherwise, why are we not doing more all year round? Why are we still talking about the same issues year, after year? And I get that entirely.
For me, the month is a reminder of just how phenomenal we are. In the past BHM never meant much to me, as stories told, were often that of American history and regurgitated facts, lies and fables around slavery. This did not evoke much, aside from frustration and boredom. In recent years however, that narrative is changing, for several reasons. But I think partly because many more of us (Black people) have spent the time re-educating, loving, and empowering ourselves and one another. We have come together in a way that I don’t recall as a teen or young adult. We understand more clearly, the power in supporting and celebrating who we are, all that we have achieved, and we are unified, exploring the vastness of opportunities we are creating for ourselves.… and to top it off, we are inspiring each other and creating new role models along the way. You gotta love that!
It’s also World Mental Health Day in October. What does “Black Health and Wellness,” mean when considering mental health?
...Chris Kaba, Oladeji Adeyemi Omishore, Leroy Junior Medford, Nuno Cardoso, Rashan Charles, Mark Duggan, Olaseni Lewis… the names continue…