Self-Reflection Sunday: Joy Comes in the Mourning

Black Panther was one of my favorite movies because I felt like I didn't have to have all the background Marvel knowledge in order to enjoy it. It was just a great movie by itself. I've never been into the comics and such, which brings me to the main reason why I thoroughly respected Black Panther. Growing up, you didn't have to be a comic-head in order to be aware of Spider Man, Super Man,  Batman, Wonder Woman, so many characters. Not often was it common to mention the Black superheroes; even in fiction we were marginalized. So when this movie was due to air in theaters, Black people showed their culture. And I'm sure we got on people's nerves but it's pretty natural to represent when you're represented. During "rep your city" segments, when the mc, host or deejay calls out where you're from, you make noise. When your alma mater is shouted out, you make noise. Even at graduation, when you're name is called, your section of family and friends raise their voices. So no less when you finally see Africa represented in such a positive manner, when a movie showcases great actors and they are predominately Black, when you finally see the superhero that looks like you, you holler.  That's my race finally being called. We're going to be loud because this is our moment. Everybody felt it - showing up in African attire, HBCU bands playing in theaters, BGLOs stepping and strolling, it was serious. Regardless of any negative critique one may have about the movie, it was still monumental; no one's opinion can take that away!

So this week, we find that it's time to mourn Chadwick Boseman, a man who worked extremely hard while battling a disease that he would end up succumbing to. Though his health was failing, his strength is his legacy! I can honestly say that I felt pain in the pit of my stomach when I saw the shocking news; cried like he was someone I knew. But I was also charged, like many, to go even harder with living life to the fullest, fulfilling purpose, inspiring others,  and not letting fear cripple me and my dreams.

But wait, there's more...

In the same breath of mourning, I cry because of the occurrence with Jacob Blake. I cry! I wonder who else will have to go through ridiculousness simply because they are Black! I am a wife and a mom to two Black boys and I constantly am reminded of the continuous conversations we will have to have. It's quite sickening. But I pray because I do not want to live in fear. I pray because I have to trust God who sees our struggle and hears our cry. I pray because I do not want to counter hate with hate. I hold on to the hope that is in someone greater than everyone in this whole world. I have to believe that He's watching over us and He's still in control. So while I am not untouched by the troubles of this world; saddened and disgusted by the injustice that changed one Black man's life forever, I take a lesson from the death of another Black man, which is to show strength and courage, and use my God-given gifts and talents with all of my heart to try to make this world a better place and show hope to those who need it.

Wakanda Forever!