This spring season is wicked. It came in early and with full intention to force winter to loosen its icy, cold grip. From the way I’ve been sneezing and constantly wiping at my running nose and eyes, I thought I had COVID-19. Yet the allergy symptoms pale in comparison to the way Florida’s politics make my skin crawl. I had the pleasure of marching and protesting with the Reverend Al Sharpton last month to demand that Governor DeSantis and his cronies let Black history go. Weaponizing Black History for political gain is not only a risk to Black America, but the world. This world would be in its primitive state if it were not for the genius of Black people. With an eradicated history, I am afraid that the self-concept of Black children will be compromised. Access to Black history brought me back to myself after years of assimilation and believing that white things were better for me. I look forward to sharing my journey with you when my memoir, Black Again is released in September. Until then, I can’t wait for you to read our cover story, Black Enough, on page 22. Children need our advocacy, and I’m hoping our article on “School-to-prison Pipeline” on page 9 lead you to effect change for them, for us since they are our future. By the time today’s children enter theworkforce, I am hoping we will have done away with toxic workplaces. Let me introduce you to a couple of people who are fighting toxicity at work with the article, When company culture is contaminated on page 12. Before I let you go, I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for supporting Black Mental Health Today magazine. Your subscription to this publication sustains and keeps us. Holding this magazine in your hand is evidence of your amazing support. We love supporting you and promoting mental wellness among Black people. Thank you!
First published in Black Mental Health Today, Spring 2023 (Vol. 7).