Tis’ the holiday season! A time that brings joy, love and cheer mixed with a dash of pain and ignorant bliss! That is if you’re amongst the consciously woke crowd of individuals… Now I know that sounds depressing, but you already know the truth doesn’t always feel good. This is the time of year people tend to put all their long disputes and debacles on a temporary pause and indulge in corporate America’s economic splurge, which is understandable cause lawd knows the struggle is real and that shit is exhausting. Errybody needs a little break every now and then; a moment to catch our breath, re-organize and re-evaluate…
I find myself as I get older not being able to focus so much on the holidays, but the history behind/proceeding them, which has inevitably made me somewhat of a cynic… while I do still take advantage of the available down time spent being in gratitude with my family and friends, cause at this point isn’t that what it’s all about? Oh and of course capitalism for corporations, can’t forget about the billions of dollars in revenue this chauvinistic season brings. It’s been a big eye opening year for Americans, as we go forward into the next I wanted to take a moment to reign it back in and really reflect on some American history, specifically the experience of African Americans as a tribute (December was a historical month for Afro-American slaves)….(Remember 13th amendment? Yeah.) but also as a reminder of how we (as people) are strong, resilient, and so absolutely fabulous! Some things to consider while doing (or not) your holiday shopping, a little inspiration if you will; by none other than the beautiful, unapologetically black, Black Panthers! Along with a few other modern day influences!
Pictured: Kathleen Cleaver, Angela Davis, Bobby Seal & Huey Newton
Pictured: Stokely Carmichael, Eldridge Cleaver, BPP members
Have you gotten your black beret yet? It’s simply chic, and a 2017 must have accessory! Great for a stocking stuffer! Swing by your local salvation army to get yours, along with any other 2017 revolutionary gear you may need. Emergency survival kit anyone?
Pictured: Fred Hampton, BPP artworks, Trump rally protestors
Pictured: Josephine Baker, Assata Shakur, Amandla Stenberg
Pictured: Beyonce Formation Tour dancers, Beverly Bond (Black Girls Rock founder)
There’s no doubt seeing the valiant work and documentations of our history is not only profound, but incredibly beautiful… You know what else is really beautiful? You are! You are powerful, you are valuable and you are love! Keep that in mind while you are doing your holiday hooplah with your cherished ones, and remember it ain’t all about the dollars spent as much as time spent. Look, if there’s anyone who understands the importance of a holiday party outfit please beelee it’s ya girl, I am a firm believer in the saying treat yo self, and your loved ones too! They don’t call it retail therapy for nothin, however let’s not forget our journey as a society, and the stories we want to create for an even brighter future… gear up (literally and figuratively) this Holiday season and step forward with your best foot (and shoe) into the next year! Most importantly LOVE each other! Use that super power! I love all of you guys! Merry Feliz Mazel!
♥
Image Source: Da Google and Da Instagramz