The BLACKprint: For Us, By Us, About Us

During my morning walk by the river, I stumbled upon the ruins of a plantation, and it stirred something deep within me. The remnants of a time when black bodies were forced into labor and subjected to unimaginable atrocities were right there before my eyes. It was a stark reminder that the effects of slavery are still present in our communities today.

As I stood among those bricks and foundations, I couldn't help but think about the history that unfolded on that land. Black lives were stolen, dreams were crushed, and children never got the chance to play and thrive. It was a somber moment that brought tears to my eyes, but in that moment, I also felt a call to action and thus The BLACKprint Show was birthed.

As if we needed another, this was a stark reminder of the deep scars of slavery that still exist in our society today. The remnants of the past, surrounded by playgrounds and greenways, served as a powerful call to continue the fight for liberation, to ensure that our children can play, thrive, and live their lives to the fullest.

This episode delves into the importance of reclaiming our lineage, knowledge, and sacred wisdoms that were once hidden and/or forbbiden to us. It's time to break the spell, break the cycle, and live authentically. It's time for us to take up space unapologetically, to be empowered, and to understand the immense legacy we carry as Black individuals.

So grab a cup of tea, find a cozy spot, and join me on this journey of healing, liberation, and ancestral connection. Together, let's create a new narrative, one that celebrates and uplifts the richness of our Blackness.

This experience reminded me that despite how far we've come, there is still so much work to be done. We have an opportunity to reclaim our lineage, our knowledge, and to break free from the chains that have bound us for far too long.

"And just like those bricks, just like those ruins that are laying there, the impact and effects of slavery continue to affect our communities to this day."

BLACKprint Journaling Prompts

1. How can you explore and deepen your knowledge of Black history and your personal history?

2. What does reclaiming your lineage, deepening your knowledge about Black history mean to you?

3. In what ways does addressing trauma within the Black community impact you? How would that change things for Black people as a collective?