Why Do Black Folks Flex?

The Struggle is Real

Remember the following message:

The video below contains a sensitive quote from an article in USA Today Magazine about challenges faced by Black people in America. The statistics mentioned in the video may not be accurate and only focus on the African American community. This leaves out other nationalities facing similar struggles. The video paints a grim picture of African Americans and their legacies. We are here to challenge these stereotypes and bring hope, striving to eliminate unfair generalizations. We use their adversity as a stepping stone to progress.

Racial injustice has led to negative stereotypes, with Whites being taught that Black individuals are incapable of progress. This false narrative resulted in emotional, psychological, and physical abuse. Black Americans have worked hard to overcome these prejudices by excelling in all aspects of American society especially areas in which they were previously excluded. This was achieved peacefully, following the philosophy that “The best revenge is not to be like your enemy,” a quote by Marcus Aurelius. This period also saw the rise of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., an academic scholar and theologian, who became a prominent leader in Civil Rights.

Have you ever believed something untrue about a person or accused someone wrongly? Getting rid of stereotypes is a challenging but important task moving forward.

“Someone else’s opinion of you doesn’t have to be your reality.” ~ Les Brown | Entrepreneur | Motivational Speaker

Back to School

The commencement of the school year in the United States, which typically occurs in August and September, prompts new strategies. During this planning process, my eldest daughter emphasized the necessity for an increased number of bilingual Speech Pathologists to support children with parents of diverse backgrounds, including Afro-Latinos, Asian-Latinos, and Afro-Asians. Our discussion underscored the importance of fostering confidence in the cultural identity of Black children, without subjecting them to pressures to assimilate into a predominantly white-oriented education system, a phenomenon largely influenced by historical biases in the United States.

Black history in American schools dates back to the Reconstruction Era (1863–1876) when the government, along with White religious groups and African Americans, established schools. However, it was not until 1942 to 1945 that the first mandatory Black history curriculum was implemented in Chicago public schools. This curriculum, was developed by educator, historian, and activist Madeline Stratton Morris. She laid the foundation for the nationwide inclusion in public schools. Public schools commonly teach that Abraham Lincoln emancipated the slaves. It is essential to recognize that genuine freedom is a hard-won achievement, requiring persistent advocacy and struggle. No one can hand out freedom with a piece of paper. You freed yourself!

A Teaching Moment

History acknowledges the enslavement of Native Americans in the United States and the challenges they faced. Seeking solace, many retreated to mountainous regions where they found support from family and friends. Unlike Native Americans, African Americans were in foreign lands, far from the continent of Africa. This made their enslavement particularly poignant and lasting. e.g. native languages, culture, history, and names forgotten. This situation compelled them to seize opportunities, such as those provided by the Civil War battlefield. (10,000 battles | 3 million were freed | 620,000 dead | from 1861 to 1865 = 4 years straight) Thanks to Harriet Tubman. Can you imagine getting on the battlefield as a Black Confederate and seeing your male cousin, father, brothers, and friends, fighting for the North and your oppressor right beside you? Consequently, it is pertinent to recognize that every Black person living North of the equator has family ties in the South. Read about: Harriet Tubman and the “Underground Railroad” at the National Women’s Museum.

Flexing with Humility & Grace

The phenomenon of having one’s language, culture, hairstyle, religion, and access to education stripped away is recognized as oppression. This denotes the deliberate actions taken to curtail or stifle someone else’s personal development. African Americans have been at the vanguard of the struggle for equitable treatment in America long preceding the arrival of other cultural groups. They thereby paved the way for many others. It is commonly asserted that African Americans are still grappling with the intergenerational consequences. The Revolutionary War is akin to those observed in post-traumatic stress disorder, such as anger, victimization, identity crisis, fear and anxiety, and mental depression.

In 2024, there is a notable emphasis on fostering awareness and pursuing healing to transcend the enduring impacts of PTSD or ancestral trauma. For numerous years, the history of slavery was predominantly associated with Black individuals. However, a shift has transpired, and it is now acknowledged that slavery and brutality constitute part of White history (the “Unapologetically Black” movement). Why shoulder the burden of shame when the culpable exhibit no remorse for their actions? “Slavery is White history.”

Reputation is everything when you’re poor

Black individuals have demonstrated resilience and fortitude. There persists a necessity for further personal development in mental health. Prominent figures and local heroes are at the forefront as Black individuals continuously push the boundaries to establish new legacies. They make noteworthy contributions to the culture. They celebrate financial achievements, natural hairstyles, fashion trends, and significant accomplishments for their community and worldwide. The time has arrived for Black individuals to feel empowered, exhale, embrace their heritage, and attain personal growth in every facet of their lives.

Thank you for your time. Please leave us a message. Tell us what you think.