The Sauce: “Say It Loud: I’m Black & I’m Proud!”

Hey, my loves and happy Black History Month! It’s February again and although this Black History Month might look a little different since we’re stuck inside, our beautiful Blackness should be celebrated all the same. From Black excellence to Black innovation, this is our month to remember and acknowledge our greatness. This is a time of reflection on the good and bad, as well as thinking about how we will contribute to the betterment of our society as creative Black individuals.

Before moving forward, I would like to acknowledge the amazing individuals we have lost recently: Kobe and Gianna, Chadwick Boseman, John Lewis, Katherine Johnson, Cicely Tyson, and many others whose grand legacies will live on. These greats will be missed, and I hope they are resting in love and power. With that being said, I would also like to acknowledge the lives of those lost due to police brutality. As we continue to fight the injustices taking place in this country, let us not forget the continuous sacrifices our Black brothers and sisters have made.

As we end this month, remember the great contributions from various Black people. For example, Sister Rosetta Tharpe was the originator of Rock and Roll and heavily influenced the music of Elvis Presley. On the other hand, without Black creativity, fashion wouldn’t be a fraction of what it is today. I saw a quote recently that said, “Everything you love about America is because of Black people” and I’ve never heard anything more true.

Allow yourself to acknowledge the contributions you are making and the strides you’re taking towards your own success. We are Black history in the making and we deserve to be highlighted for the accomplishments we do in our community—no matter how big or small. In addition, be kind to yourselves during this time. It’s been a rough year! Remember to give yourself a break and participate in some self-love and self-care activities, whether that be to simply make time for yourself or do the things you love outside of school or work.

I hope you continue to protect your peace of mind, because I know that’s what I’m trying to achieve on a daily basis. Sometimes, the sauce is what you spill from your own daily journal, so keep trying to endure the journey of self-reflection and looking inwards. Because peace comes from within. Please remember to take care of yourself before taking care of others, and drink your water! Good luck with the upcoming midterms and finals!

Peace fam, come back when more sauce is spilled! 

Kiyahna Brown is the Assistant Arts and Culture Editor and creator of The Sauce: a new Black column within The Triton. You can follow her on Instagram @Kitkat12600