| Healing Trauma and Embracing Self-care: A Journey for Descendants of Enslaved Africans | | Trauma's Echo from the PastThe trauma experienced by enslaved Africans resonates down generations, casting long shadows on their descendants. As these effects manifest in multifaceted ways, it's vital to recognize and address the psychological and emotional scars. History teaches us about the physical brutality of slavery, but the emotional and mental repercussions remain largely unspoken. The Need for TherapyTherapy offers a sanctuary, a space to delve into and process these inherited traumas. To heal is to understand, to unpack, and to confront. Seeking therapy is not an admission of weakness, but a testament to resilience. It means taking proactive steps towards a healthier mindset. The Allure of Self-awarenessIt's a powerful and alluring trait when someone says, "I have a therapist." It signifies self-awareness and the courage to address one's challenges head-on. More than that, it's an invitation to a deeper conversation, one that many might shy away from. The Power of ConnectionLife’s trials ensure that none of us leave this world unscathed. However, surrounding oneself with compassionate, understanding individuals makes navigating these challenges less daunting. An empathetic circle becomes your fortress against those who may bring negativity or wish to exploit vulnerabilities. While it's essential to send love to those who dwell in negativity, it's equally crucial to prioritize one's own healing and maintain distance. Embracing Boundaries and the Art of Saying "No"Setting boundaries is fundamental. But the act of saying "no" goes beyond drawing a line in the sand. It's about mutual respect and understanding. When we decline, offering an explanation fosters growth and understanding. Perhaps the requester can reframe their approach in the future, and in doing so, we all evolve together. The Shared Beauty of LifeWalking through life with an open heart, embracing discipline, and displaying a fervent love for every being creates a ripple effect. The Universe, in its infinite wisdom, often mirrors back the energy we project. When you radiate love, joy, and positivity, you attract the same. By being genuine, kind, and approachable, you magnetize people to you. Navigating the ShadowsDark energies are an inevitable part of our journey. However, discernment guides us to walk away without further harming them or ourselves. We all have moments when we grapple with our inner demons. Recognizing them and learning the lessons they present is the path to personal evolution. In ConclusionAs descendants of enslaved Africans, addressing ancestral trauma is paramount. Through therapy, setting boundaries, and surrounding ourselves with a circle of support, healing becomes attainable. Live life with love, gratitude, and joy, and let the Universe mirror that brilliance back to you. Always remember: Life's journey is richer when shared.
Accept the things to which fate binds you, and love the people with whom fate brings you together, but do so with all your heart. ~ Marcus Arelius
| | | | | | | GOD SAID MY THOUGHTS I SHOULD WRITE... | In shadows cast by political might, They kill with media spin so tight. But rise in defense, we’re labeled in scorn, Thugs and terrorists, since the day we were born. When will eyes open, to truly see, That I am my brother’s keeper, and he is me? The pain of Martin, Malcolm’s unyielding flame, A battle within, 60 years, still nothing changed. Death’s cold embrace, no longer a fear, For I accepted it, year after year. Yet shifting their gaze, that’s the true quest, To see our fight, our very best. Asking for rights, from those who instill, More trauma, more pain, breaking our will. Comparing our warriors, hoping for a Betty or Coretta, Isn’t fair, for they too felt the pressure, those lonely years.
Institutions stand tall, but hearts they lack, Their game of power, a never-ending track. Wake up, my kin, see their deceitful play, Carve our own path, our own righteous way. Their trauma’s shadow, following so close, Struggling for peace, what we need most. Searching for words, to console, to bind, Our family’s souls, in turbulent times. Remember, when they kill us, they always have their political correctness their media spin. it's to prepare us, for the injustice, and bias in coming rulings. When we defend ourselves, they call us humanity's plague Carl Lee Hailey understood way back when, they forgave?
In silence, I pray, a hope, a plea, Poetic justice, for each version of me. | | THE MEDICINE YOU DIDN'T KNOW YOU NEEDED! | | | THE AFRIKIN 411 FOR NATION BUILDING | | Beyond Saying "No": The Power of Constructive Rebellion"Just say no." We've all heard it, perhaps even said it. The art of saying "no" can be both an empowering act of defiance and a symbol of resistance. This notion is especially pronounced amongst teenagers who often test boundaries as they forge their identities.
This reminds me of a lesson I often imparted to my son. Despite his non-conformist stance in life, particularly in environments that celebrated out-of-the-box thinking, the simplicity of saying "no" was his shield. That stark refusal, sometimes physically mirrored by crossed arms, signified an end to his negotiation.
However, while saying "no" is easy, it often remains unidimensional. It becomes a stance, a pose, momentarily powerful but stagnant in progress. While there are moments when a firm "no" is impactful, relying solely on refusal seldom brings about substantive change. The Next Steps After "No"The real power emerges when "no" is followed by an alternative proposition. What's next after the refusal? How can one not just negate but redirect and re-envision?
To defy norms, traditions, or established orders requires more than just opposition. It demands a proactive approach, an ability to showcase not only an understanding of what's being rejected but also to propose a better way forward. This applies to personal growth, cultural shifts, or broader societal changes. Constructing the BlueprintMerely acknowledging that a system is flawed isn't enough in today's world. With challenges ranging from health care to education, financial disparities, judicial biases, and even human rights infringements, the need of the hour is comprehensive solutions, not just pointed critiques.
So, instead of waiting for "them" to suggest alternatives — which might not align with our vision anyway — why not take the initiative? Why not construct a blueprint for the world we want to see? This not only challenges the status quo but also provides a tangible roadmap towards change. From Ideas to ActionEnvisioning this change requires us to ask ourselves critical questions. What does our ideal framework look like? What steps can help us transition from the current scenario to our desired reality? How do we, as a collective, rebuild or remodel based on these blueprints?
These are not mere abstract ideas. They are calls to action. If the established order fails to heed these blueprints, then we have already armed ourselves with a vision — we build and/or rebuild our way. The Coming Age and The Urgency of NowWith advancements in technology, such as artificial intelligence, the next phase of lifestyle evolution is imminent. The time to establish our ground, fortified and steadfast, is now.
The days of waiting are over. Saying "no" is a start, but it's merely the prologue to our story of change. The narrative ahead should be filled with actionable ideas, alternative solutions, and collective brainstorming. It's time to dive deeper than simple refusals, into the vast ocean of possibilities, and emerge with blueprints that can truly reshape our world.
| | | | | AFRIKIN'S REMINDER FOR THE WEEK AHEAD... | You have power over your mind — not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength. ~ Marcus Arelius | | | | | | | | WHAT WE ARE LISTENING TO THIS WEEK... | | | | | | | AfriKin Call to ArtistsIs your artwork unique? Is it a great fit for AfriKin Art on the occasion of Art Basel and Miami Art Week 2023? Is a cutting-edge contemporary African arts organization to partner with what you're looking for? Look no further; this is an invitation for artists to submit their work.
Apply by sending us an email to info@afrikin.org with "Artist Submission" in the subject line.
In this email, please include the following: A personal website link to your artwork Seven JPGs of your artwork that you feel demonstrate your best work Please include titles, medium, dimensions, year created, framed, or unframed retail prices of any attached images. A short artist's bio and artist resume, including your current location.
Submissions that do not include the above requirements will not be considered. Once you have completed the submission process we will be in contact with you.
Know someone who'd be excited by this news? Share it with them. | | | | SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE INFO@AFRIKIN.ORG | | | | LOOKING FORWARD TO #SSS FOR MIAMI CARNIVAL | |
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