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Jesse Owens fought so we could run.
Barack Obama ran so we could dream.
Martin Luther King Jr. dreamed so we could grow.
All of the well-known icons in black history are known for unlocking doors for black people that were bolted shut by society previously.
And now, it’s your turn.
Now, before you object to the idea of being known for sparking a movement, keep in mind that you can make black history without being known by hundreds of thousands of people for years to come.
But rest assured, the recognition from sparking change is NOT what black history is all about. So, what does it represent?
Today, we will find out and determine what it takes for you to create black history in 2022.
Mimicking Our Ancestor’s Actions
Imagine being told that you’re nothing, you’re worthless, or you’re going to be a failure. All because of the color of your skin.
Doesn’t that spark a fire within you to prove those people wrong once and for all?
Our ancestors often endured severe physical and verbal abuse from people who believed they were superior. Yet our ancestors decided not to let those actions deter them from doing what they thought possible.
From attending higher-ranked schools to running for top leadership positions, we can learn a thing or two from other people of color who broke through the barriers meant to hold them back.
These, though, are the universal lessons taught by other people of color that can carry us through any challenges we face today:
Use the hateful comments as motivation for sparking change.
Don’t just fight for yourself. Fight for your fellow brothers and sisters and the future generations to come.
If you’re going to change the world, put your all into doing so, even if people judge you.
Once you find your purpose, you are more than qualified to take on the task. Don’t step down now.
Embodying The Mindset Of Change
Making a change first starts with a thought, which turns into an idea, which turns into an action.
The thought first begins to grow when you encounter a specific event or action. For our ancestors, this would be the moment they endured the years of various forms of hurt and abuse.
Before the thought turns into an idea, a “breaking point” serves as the yearning factor for a new reality. In moments like this, our ancestors decided that enough was enough and that it was time to create their seats at the table.
Once the idea formulates, there’s a moment of hesitation where the following thoughts may come to mind:
“Am I making the right decision?”
“Will going through with this action even matter?”
“Can I actually do this?”
I guarantee that our ancestors went through the same thought process before taking that leap of faith.
But the point of the matter is they fought those limiting beliefs to make history. You can, too, once you keep your ultimate goal in mind.
Impact Over Recognition
When you set your mind on being the face of a new movement, I don’t want you to overthink about:
Being seen/heard by others.
Going “viral” for how you’ll make history.
Stressing over what will be your actual black history moment.
Why? Because it’s unnecessary.
Being part of black history has nothing to do with the recognition you’ll gain, and it doesn’t even have anything to do with the reward you’ll gain from making that accomplishment.
It does, however, have everything to do with impact.
But before you can make an impact, you have first to understand the pathway to that ultimate goal. Only then can you embark on your black history moment.
Black History Continues With You
Are you ready to make history? I’m going to tell you right now that you aren’t.
Here’s why.
No one can ever prepare enough to set their minds on being part of black history, and this is because black history happens out of impulse.
There’s no blueprint on how to be in the history books, nor is there a thorough roadmap to impacting millions of black lives. Instead, making black history starts with a growing problem that needs a different solution (aka, you).
So instead of asking yourself when you’ll make black history, ask yourself how you can make it based on a current issue that requires a new approach. Then, go for it and dominate using your personality, skillsets, and drive for change within our communities.
What area is calling your name for change during Black History Month?