Black History Month Canceled, but I Am Black History
Jamie Kirk is a Licensed Psychotherapist, Life Coach, and Mental Health Facilitator from Los Angeles, California. Growing up in the bustling city of Los Angeles during the 80s and 90s, drug addiction, gang violence, neglect, molestation, physical abuse, rape, and abandonment were all too common occurrences that shaped the lives of many individuals.
Black History Month officially began in 1976 when the month of February was designated as such by the U.S. government, following the work of scholar Carter G. Woodson, who initially established "Negro History Week" in 1926. Since then, we’ve celebrated Black History Month, honoring the legacies of those who fought, struggled, and paved the way for future generations.
But what if Black History Month was canceled? Would that erase the impact of the leaders who made it possible for me to attend college, earn a degree, and build a business that serves my community? Absolutely not. Black history is not confined to a single month; it lives in me, in my achievements, and in the path I continue to forge. My journey is a continuation of their fight, their resilience, and their commitment to progress.
I didn’t get here on my own. My success was made possible by the visionaries who refused to accept the limitations placed upon them. When I pursued higher education, I followed the path carved by Booker T. Washington, who believed that education was the key to Black advancement. His legacy of perseverance in founding Tuskegee University set the stage for institutions that would open their doors to students like me.
When I decided to build my own business, I stood on the shoulders of Madam C.J. Walker, the first Black woman millionaire, who proved that Black entrepreneurship was not only possible but necessary. Her story inspired me to create my own success and to use my business as a vehicle for empowering others in my community. As I worked to support and uplift those around me, I was guided by the principles of W.E.B. Du Bois, who championed education, activism, and the responsibility of the Black elite to lift up the entire race. Who proved that Black entrepreneurship was not only possible but necessary. His belief in the power of knowledge reminds me daily that my success is not just for me; it is for those who come after me.
For generations, the Black community has been taught to be strong no matter what. We’ve been told to push through, to keep going even when our minds and hearts are weary. But the truth is, our mental well-being is just as important as our physical and financial success.
The pressures of breaking generational cycles, overcoming trauma, and carrying the weight of expectations can be overwhelming. That’s why I draw strength from the resilience of Harriet Tubman, who not only led enslaved people to freedom but also navigated her own struggles with head trauma and mental health. I am reminded by Malcolm X and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. that fighting for a better future requires rest, reflection, and self-care. Even the strongest minds need moments of peace.
I manage my mental health by prioritizing therapy, meditation, and self-care, tools that my ancestors may not have had access to but would have undoubtedly valued. By taking care of myself, I honor them. I remind myself that it’s okay to seek help, to set boundaries, and to say no when necessary. My well-being is also part of my legacy.
Black history is more than a collection of stories from the past; it is a living, breathing force that moves through us. The fight for civil rights by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X ensured that I could walk into a classroom and claim my space. The activism of Angela Davis and Fannie Lou Hamer taught me the power of using my voice to advocate for justice and equality. The resilience of Harriet Tubman and Frederick Douglass demonstrated that no obstacle is too great when you are determined to be free, whether physically, mentally, or financially.
If Black History Month were canceled, my success would still stand as proof that Black history cannot be erased. My achievements are a continuation of the legacy that was built by those who came before me. I am Black history. Every degree earned, every business started, and every person I help along the way is a testament to the power of our past and the promise of our future.
So, whether or not the world chooses to recognize Black history, I will continue to live it, celebrate it, and build upon it because Black history is not just a month. It’s a movement, and I am proud to be a part of it.
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Jamie Kirk, Life Coach, Mental Health Facilitator & Licensed Psychotherapist
Jamie Kirk is a Licensed Psychotherapist, Life Coach, and Mental Health Facilitator from Los Angeles, California. Growing up in the bustling city of Los Angeles during the 80s and 90s, drug addiction, gang violence, neglect, molestation, physical abuse, rape, and abandonment were all too common occurrences that shaped the lives of many individuals. Jamie Kirk is passionate about raising awareness on the importance of mental health and advocating for better access to resources and support, especially within low-income communities. An advocate at heart, Jamie extends support through dynamic life coaching and workshops focused on overcoming depression, suicide prevention, and goal setting.
