Black History Month Reflections.. As told by Briea

As a young, black woman living and working and mothering in American society today, I have had an array of experiences. Fairly often, I am asked how I feel about current African American affairs in our country, or what my experience has been. The earliest memory I have of feeling "different" was as a child when my cousins regularly reminded me that I was a different color than them. Even as current as this last week, I listened to my nail technician tell me how fortunate my daughter was to have recessive traits with olive skin as opposed to my caramel complexion. While I have not always been in touch with my culture and heritage, I did learn that my roots are from Ethiopia and definitely felt like that taught me a bit more about myself as a person. Once I could refer to that as my ancestral home, I felt more connected to my history as well as more connected with America and my fortuitous life here. I have had the opportunity to discuss black history and culture with other people of color throughout my life, many of whom could recite stories of their mothers, fathers, and grandparents from the era of slavery and segregation laws. Although there are adverse times in anyone's life, those trying times do not represent any one person as a whole. While numerous less positive examples are important aspects of African American history, it’s crucial to remember that they do not define African American culture in its entirety. They merely offer a chance for growth and change. I can attest to various times that people around me celebrated my brown skin and natural hair, many times people never even noticed my ethnicity, nor did they care. There is a quote I feel best describes an important thought to keep in mind today:

“Black history didn’t start with slavery or end with the civil rights movement..”

- Ruth E. Carter

How poignant and true the above statement really is. There is a great deal of rich history that is often overshadowed by the negative experiences throughout time. Those times of struggle and pursuit were temporary (as most things are), and they do not express the full scope of our tribal history, rituals, culture and growth throughout the years. They don't sum up the future of black history still to be made. This year, the Black Panther movie has reminded all of us that there are positive reasons for black people to be proud of who they are and where they come from. It has prompted us to revisit our celebrated traditions and express appreciation in particular for the strength and capability that women of color display. I mean, where else can you find a guard comprised of bald black women wielding spears?! With so much negativity displayed from the media, it's pleasant to feel genuine pride in our heritage and excitement for our future. We are so much more than just our past, we are all part of the present, and should make a worthy effort to inspire a more united and peaceful future for everyone. In honor of bringing Black History Month to a close, please enjoy this Afrofuturistic inspired design - a collaboration of my own concepts and our designer, Lance Nybye's expertise and execution. You can get yours today at www.greentreejewelry.com!