Representation Matters

I’ve been reading a lot lately about breaking the chains of the psychological bondage and control left by slavery, and part of that control can be found in how we view and see ourselves.

In how we present and allow ourselves to be presented and represented in the world and in the media.

In how we use and compare our textures and complexions.

Our knowledge of self…. our consciousness is bound and broken.

So we must learn to take back control and restore our people's and ourselves's consciousness.

We must learn to celebrate ourselves.

And not just for our looks, athletic or musical talents, and abilities, but the whole of who we are.

We must celebrate our healing.

We must celebrate our growth.

We must celebrate our love.

We must celebrate our truth and our stories.

The black reality and experience must be shared, reflected, and shifted as broadly, as accurately, and as intensely as possible.

We must:

Sing about it.

Act it out.

Teach it.

Preach it.

Write about it.

Present it.

Display it.

Conceptualize it.

We must immerse and submerge ourselves in information about our own experiences.

We must:

Read books.

Have conversations.

Share pictures and messages.

That is the key.

Learning to celebrate ourselves comfortably, to celebrate our stories, and our accomplishments without the degradation of others or ourselves is essential to gaining and maintaining the freedom of our minds.

Because…

“Information helps to mold the keys which will open the chains that remain on our minds.” ~ Na’im Akbar

And I realized that my contribution to that freedom is this. This blog, This website, This business, and the intentionality of the images I choose to create, share, and display.

I Intentionally choose images of people of all ages, sizes, shapes, textures, shades, and types because that is who we are.

Sure, I could take and post images of myself, but again, this is not about me.

This is for, and about us.

Love