How Are We Honoring Our Legacy? | Black History Month

What’s good Friend!

It’s Black History Month, and while I celebrate this rich history 365 days a year, let’s take a moment to honor it together by reflecting on the power of collective legacy. Understanding the triumphs, struggles, and lessons of Black history is crucial to inspiring intentional action in our own lives today. Just as honoring the past shapes our future, loving intentionally, starting with self-love—is an essential practice to empower ourselves and create the future we truly want.

This is always the perfect time to honor those who paved the way for us while also recognizing that we, too, have the power to create a legacy for those who come after us.

So, let’s embrace our history, and take pride in our present to intentionally shape the future. Before we dive deeper into that, I’d like to share a piece of my own Black history—Ramsey Street Barber Shop, owned by my grandparents Arthur and Gloria Ingram. Beyond their business, they taught me the true meaning of collective community.

A husband and wife who shared a passion for their craft, they came together to create a space that not only served the community but also helped leave a lasting legacy, contributing to the collective strength of the Black community.

This month, I want us to reflect on legacy, consider the following questions to help you think deeply about your personal growth and the legacy you're creating:

• What personal values were shaped by the history and legacy of Black leaders that inspire you?

• How can I be more intentional in honoring the sacrifices and achievements of those who came before me?

• What challenges have I faced, and how can I turn them into stepping stones for future success?

While you’re reflecting on your responses, something that stays with me is that Maya Angelou once said in a conversation with Oprah, "You have no idea what your legacy will be!" she exclaimed. "Your legacy is every life you touch! It's every person who ever watched your show and felt something. Was moved to do something. Go back to school, leave an abusive marriage, stop hitting their kids, no longer remain silent, not be a victim. It's not one thing—it's everything!

This is one of my favorites and it reminds us that our actions today shape the legacy we leave. In the spirit of honoring those who came before us, let’s  continue to think about being a service to our communities and making choices that uplift not just ourselves, but those around us.

This month let’s be about creating a future that reflects our values starting with community. 

April and I founded Black Artist Forward in 2023 with a mission that’s reflected in our name. I invite you to follow us on social media as we prepare to roll out our artist highlights during Black History Month @blackartistforward on IG

Let me be clear… our mission is year-round. We continuously uplift and celebrate our Black artists, but this month, amidst the chaos surrounding us, we are putting special emphasis on their stories and work.

I also encourage you to consider making a contribution to our Black Artist Thrive Fund to further support this important mission.

I’ve noticed that the weight of history and the beauty of progress often collide, and sometimes that collision can truly shake our confidence.

This month, as we honor the Black history that has shaped so much of our world we live in, I want you to remember to stay grounded in your values. While we acknowledge past struggles, let’s also focus on how we can proactively support each other in this current moment, with intentionality guiding us forward.

I also want to question how we can confront societal challenges not with despair but with action, staying true to our values of love, unity, and justice. What do you think? 

Book: The Souls of Black Folk by W.E.B. Du Bois
A classic work that delves into the depth of Black life and thought in America, providing invaluable insight into the legacy that continues to shape us today.

Podcast of the Month: Black History Month Digital Archive
Explore this archive to immerse yourself in the rich history and achievements of Black communities around the world.

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