Juneteenth

Growing up in New Orleans, in many ways was like being raised in a time capsule. Field trips to plantations were apart of the Louisiana History curriculum. Reminders of slavery and the antebellum South were ever-present on St.Charles Avenue. Drums rang out from Congo Square on Sundays, and Juneteenth was celebrated right before Essence.

I don't think I truly understood the significance of Juneteenth until I was older because I was taught that the slaves were freed by the Emancipation Proclamation. I later found out that slavery simply got re-branded to sharecropping and indentured servitude. It was re-branded again through Jim Crow and redlining. More recently, it was re-branded through constitutional amendments and capitalism. Larger financial institutions rose up in the place of slavery to create the generational wealth gap. Consumer debt is one of the current faces of slavery's re-brand.

Today, as we celebrate and acknowledge the liberation of the Texas slaves, please understand that we are still struggling to be free. Just like those Texan slaves, we are waiting for news of freedom. Delay is not denial. There's still hope. Happy Juneteenth!

Emancipate

I have had two profound experiences with forgiveness. Both were orchestrated beyond my control and both were unexpected moments of release. Forgiveness emancipates you. It frees a piece of your soul. I've always believed that forgiveness is for you. I've been forced to forgive myself. I've been forced to forgive others when no apologies or concern was given. I've had to let go and let God, when I wanted to "get at and react." It hasn't been easy. It hasn't been what I wanted to do at the time, but God is mindful. God knew that I couldn't live with unforgiveness in my heart. I couldn't love with hurt and malice in the way. I couldn't be His best with regret. Free your mind. Let it go. Some burdens are too big to bear. Emancipate yourself

Unapologetic

In a world filled with apologies, regrets, and woulda coulda shouldas, I can always appreciate someone who stands their ground. I love a straight shooter. Someone who speaks truth when it hurts. Someone who cares more about my future than my feelings. Someone who gives it to me straight, no chaser. I understand that sometimes a little "fluff" is necessary, and truth is not everyone's cup of tea. I understand that sometimes "alternative facts" are better than reality. I can't be anyone else, but me. You can't be anyone else, but you. Live your life with no regrets. No woulda coulda shouldas. Be deliberate in your actions. Outspoken in your words. No apology necessary. Be a truth teller, unapologetic. Be you.