BY Brenda Emilia Johnson
In the quiet that follows Black History Month, when the echoes of celebration gently fade into memory, a timeless truth remains you are enough. Mi gente, my people—your spirit, forged in the crucible of history, shines with an unyielding brilliance that no shadow can dim.
Our past sings in hushed, reverent tones. Every step taken by our ancestors—both tender and fierce—wove a rich tapestry of struggle and triumph, a legacy that defies erasure. Their stories are not confined to the pages of history books; they live in the soft murmur of the wind, in the rhythmic pulse of our collective heartbeat, and in the resounding chorus of our shared dreams.
We stand as living testaments to resilience. Our skin, radiant in every shade of brown from the lightest caramel to the deepest mahogany, mirrors the earth’s own vibrant palette. The fullness of our lips, the natural curves of our bodies, and the intricate beauty of our features are sacred marks of a heritage that is both diverse and divine. We are the chosen ones—gods and goddesses whose lineage stretches back to the very beginnings of time, carrying the whispers of ancient wisdom and the roar of ancestral triumph.
In every note of a melody we create, in every graceful gesture, our culture speaks volumes. It is a language written in the indomitable spirit of kings, queens, warriors, and healers; a language that refuses to be silenced by the cruelty of those who would see our light dimmed. Even in the face of relentless adversity, we rise—undaunted, unbroken, and ever resilient.
Our shared journey extends beyond a single narrative. Latin cultures, too, have walked the same rugged path, sharing in the fate of struggle and the quest for dignity. Their stories—steeped in passion, perseverance, and a vibrant fusion of traditions—mirror our own, reminding us that hatred is not defined by geographical boundaries but by the color of our skin. Across continents and cultures, our collective pain and hope bind us together in the universal fight for justice and respect.
There are those who would prefer our stories to be lost in the annals of time, so that history might repeat its darkest chapters. Yet, we answer with a roar, proclaiming from every rooftop and every hidden corner of our souls that our legacy is too vast to be forgotten. We carry within us the power to shape tomorrow, to mend the fractures of yesterday, and to shine as beacons of hope and strength.
As we navigate these tumultuous times, let us remember the ancient call that reverberates through our veins: we are enough. In our unity lies the power to overcome, to transform despair into hope, and to illuminate the world with the brilliance of our truth. Embrace your heritage, honor the journey of your ancestors, and let every breath affirm the beauty and strength that you carry.
We are enough. Always have been, always will be.
Brenda Emilia Johnson
