Table of Contents
Celebrating Victories in Black History Month
In this heartfelt op-ed, writer Brianne James shares her personal perspective on the accomplishments worth commemorating during Black History Month.
Embracing My Agency
I am empowered—I wear my agency proudly. The fear of retribution for expressing my thoughts doesn’t haunt me because freedom of speech is my birthright. I decide where and when to voice my opinions, and I know how to do it in a way that demands attention. I possess the ability to say “no” when necessary, refusing to let peer pressure dictate my life.
My body also exudes agency. It is under my complete control. I can adorn it with attire that embodies hidden strength. I can radiate sensuality, authority, and affluence—I have the power to mold my physical appearance as I desire. Although judgment may loom, I have the privilege of not caring.
If I don’t invest my time in myself, it will be dedicated to something of my choosing. My labor is valuable—I am aware of the worth of my abilities and talents. I have the autonomy to decide whether I want to be my own boss or not. I am in charge of my finances, unburdened by constraints and any documents of ownership. I embody the dreams of my ancestors.
Embodying Education
I personify education in its unadulterated, unsegregated form.
From a young age, I was taught the skills of literacy, and now I excel in them. My words are not confined to secrecy; they have the power to inspire and reach people from all walks of life. Individuals of every imaginable shape and color have access to my creativity. I don’t feel the need to conceal my intelligence or suppress the extent of my knowledge because I have been blessed with an education that eludes many women in distant lands. I have worked diligently to achieve my grades, relishing the opportunity to continually push the boundaries of my mind.
Education has bestowed upon me the potential and freedom to be indecisive. I can apply to prestigious art schools, master multiple languages, or even abandon my current occupation to pursue a path as a doctor, lawyer, or businesswoman. When I step outside my front door, the world brims with possibilities. I am the manifestation of my ancestors’ wildest aspirations.
Embracing Self-Care
I luxuriate in the soothing warmth of my bed before gracefully casting off the covers. I cleanse away my worries within a shower untethered by time constraints. I transform my face into a canvas, meticulously enhancing my features to showcase a beauty that defies society’s expectations. And my hair, a symbol of strength and resilience, cascades in curls that effortlessly frame my forehead, forming a crown of my own making.
But self-care goes beyond mere beauty rituals. I have embarked on leisurely travels, immersing myself in countries enriched by cultures different from my own. As a free citizen, I possess the right to explore the world without the imposition of written laws that restrict my participation in any chosen activity. I can share laughter with friends wherever we please, and I have the freedom to reside anywhere I desire. I am the fulfillment of my ancestors’ wildest dreams.
This article was originally published on 5 WS.
