In Her Words: Mo's Perspective on Black History Month
Growing up, I didn't really have a relationship with my "black identity." Being a foreigner took precedence. My parents made sure I was aware of the systemic obstacles we faced, but they were the type to say, "That's not an excuse" . I was taught to work 10x harder and be 10x smarter than my white counterparts. I don't blame them; this was just a means to survive in a place like Fayetteville, GA. It wasn't until I moved to NY and was able to critically think for myself that I fully grasped the true nature of being Black in America.
I was lucky enough to live in a well-off, diverse neighborhood, but with that, you start to see how the system was not created for folks that looked like me. It could be because I was older and more aware, but I saw more acts of racism and injustice in NY than in GA. I want to preface that this is MY lived experience, and I'm not here to diminish anyone's experience living in the North vs. South. I was told many times that because I could "fit in" to white spaces, I was "one of the good ones," as if that was some sort of compliment. It was in those moments when I began to understand how easy it was for the system to divide us.
I want to make it clear; I do not subscribe to that sentiment.
To be honest, in the absence of whiteness, my black experience was positive. My friends, who are still my best friends today, were some of the brightest students in the school. My teammates from various sports were some of the best athletes in the school. My counselor was a black woman who would do everything in her power to help me with my immigration process even when it was hopeless. I grew up having full confidence in Black folks. I loved being Black, and no one could convince me it was better to be anything else.
When I think about what Black History Month means to me, it's just a reminder that I really am that guy lol. It's a reminder of all the achievements so many before me have made despite the countless atrocities they had to go through. It's a reminder that strength comes in SO MANY forms and manifests in SO MANY ways. It's a reminder to remain humble and kind even when a force much larger than you tries to test your patience.
Last year around this time, someone brought up the fact that I owned THE first Black Woman-Owned Fitness Space in Rockaway. I was shocked lol. Yeah, it's cool to be the first, but it's even more important that I pave the way for future Black women to see that we are supposed to be here. The health and well-being of my community is what keeps me going, and I'm honored to lead the way into the future.
In the spirit of Black History Month, I wish everyone health + happiness <3
“THE CEILING IS JUST THE GROUND FLOOR TO THE NEXT LEVEL” - Angela Davis
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