Every day, we are reminded of the continued effort to erase us. From headlines to legislation, our stories, our history, and our voices are under threat. Recently, we’ve seen it in the news: the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, an institution that holds so much of who we are, now facing opposition. But let’s be clear: this fight is not new.

For generations, we’ve been written out of the story of this country, reduced to mere footnotes or erased completely. But here’s the truth: they can try to silence us, but they will never extinguish the power of our voices. We are the heartbeat of culture, the architects of innovation, and the soul of creativity. Our stories are everywhere. From the stage of Othello on Broadway to murals painted on the sides of buildings in our communities. We are constantly finding new, bold, and impactful ways to share our stories.

But let’s be honest: maybe you feel hesitant. Maybe you’ve been taught not to take up too much space. Maybe the weight of history, from Jim Crow to modern-day injustices, makes you question your right to speak out. I get it. Our community has carried trauma for so long—hypervigilance, walking on eggshells, looking down when we’re forced to cross paths with others.

This is why we must prioritize our healing through rest and self-care. Joy, sisterhood, touching grass, and art are our forms of resistance. They are essential to maintaining hope and to keeping our hearts filled with love for ourselves and each other.

Remember the scene from Black Panther when Wakanda is hidden behind a veil? That’s the era we’re entering now. We’re no longer waiting for permission. We’re no longer explaining ourselves. We’re walking in our power, unapologetically. And when I talk about sharing our stories, it’s not about proving anything to anyone. It’s about claiming the power we’ve always had.

As Queen Ramonda told T’Challa in Black Panther: “Show them who you are.” That’s how we share our stories today—not as a plea for validation, but as a declaration of our truth, our strength, and our legacy. Kendrick Lamar said it best: “Sometimes you gotta pop out and show ‘em.” It’s time to stop shrinking. It’s time to be loud, bold, and proud.

This is our moment to reclaim our narrative and show the world that we are the future, the creators, and the game-changers. We are not just surviving, we are thriving, and the world will know it because we are stepping into our light.

With Love.