What Black History Month means to me

When I think of Black History Month, I think of celebration, education, tribulations, inspiration, dedication and motivation.  It’s about our ancestors before us and what they went through to pave the way for us.

Black History Month to me is about remembrance, reminiscing and telling our story. But, it’s not just a story.  It’s about the truth, our past, our present and of course our future!  It’s for those who knew to remember, for those who don’t to learn, and for all of us to never forget.

I draw inspiration from everything around me. People, places, the beautiful faces that I see. People from Black History, all those who set the pace for me. The trail blazers, the way makers, they made our future brighter, a place for all to be.

I am proud of who I am, the woman God created. Proud of the woman my parents raised me to be, loved and appreciated. My beautiful Mummy, bless her, was my biggest influence. She loved really hard, but she did not take nonsense. She was a great teacher at home and also in school. A great lesson I learnt was to not break any rules. I read many books and learnt a great deal about influential people. It made me think "If only we were treated as equals". 

Fast forward time and some things have changed, the bullying, the racism, oh no... never again! It was hard back then with all the name calling, being hated for who you are, that was really appalling. Now I'm all grown up those times have past, I was never gonna let all that hatred last. 

I found the beauty in loving myself first and others around me were accepting as well. To feel included, comes from within. I learnt to be happy in my own skin. I did not force myself on those who thought they knew the person I should be. This is because I am at my happiest being no one but ME!

Black History is one that should be cherished and treasured.  Remember the sacrifices, achievements and all the endeavours. Black History Month reminds us how far we have come, generations to generations, what those before us had done. 

By Mercy

DWP Work Coach