As I reflect on Black history, I recognize several aspects that have kept Black people moving despite all the ills of colonization, slavery, discrimination, living in a world where brown skin has historically not been celebrated. Our sense of humor. We have a way of making difficult situations humorous. Our sense of community. We love to come together for everything and anything, to share good food,…
You can't talk about Black history without talking about dance. But first, if you didn't read my earlier post on African musicians' influence on Black history, go ahead and do so. Right now, let's talk about dance. Dancing is something that all people have done from generation to generation. However, Black people have played a major role in influencing dance worldwide and continue to do so…
In honor of Black History Month, I want to take you on a short journey of five African musicians that have influenced history.February is Black History Month, which began in the early 1900s in the U.S. to promote achievements by Black Americans and other people from African descent. The 2021 theme is “Black Family: Representation, Identity and Diversity.”Black people and their families have been portrayed in…
I recently asked people the question, “What topics would you like to see addressed on African Mind Healer blog in 2021?” Someone’s response was “living happily,” which made me think “it sounds so simple, but it can be hard for us adults to be happy.” I wish I had a formula to compute what I need to be happy, but I don’t. Nobody does. What makes…
As you think about ending 2020 and beginning 2021, here’s something to consider. Rest to work rather than work to rest! Many people take time off work during the holiday season, but many of us don’t know how to rest. I mean truly resting by letting go of the pressures in your mind that you need to be doing something or going somewhere, and simply allowing yourself…
"I’m everything and I am nothing. Nigeria is quietly begging me to remember while America slowly urges me to forget" Bassey Ikpi quotes in her Def Poetry Jam piece. Born in Nigeria and growing up in the U.S., Bassey talks about the pull of living in two different worlds. She remembers her grandmother speaking to her in her native tongue while she is only able to…
To continue the Singleness and Marriage Series, I promised to write on God’s perspective.To God, being single or being married with or without children is a good thing. No one is above the other, we are all on equal status before God. If you are married, good for you. If you are single, good for you too. If you have children, good for you. If you…
African marriages! Have you felt that sense of pride when you overhear your parents talking about you and your new spouse? No wait, it’s actually when they talk about you giving them grandchildren. In their eyes, that’s when you have arrived. You can do whatever else you want with your life after that because you have gotten married and you have had kids. This sentiment comes…
Have you noticed that some African parents don’t really consider you a grown up until you are married? The scenario goes something like this:Relative (the one I referred to here): I haven’t seen the children in a long time. What is so-and-so studying again?You: She graduated over 7 years ago, she’s working nowRelative: Oh! What about ehm… the other one… (trying to remember his name)?You: My…
How did I do a whole relationship series without talking about being single and being married? Sorry oh! But get ready for it because for the next few weeks, I’ll be doing another series on singleness and marriage.If you are African, you’ve heard it one way or another either about yourself or about a sister, brother, cousin, someone who is single… Every married relative (and by…