This sign should actually read I am stronger than anxiety or even emotional privilege, however the root cause; beating on myself emotionally due to trauma entrainment was still present.

When The 400 Years of African American History commission and Saniya Gaye, The Delaware State chapter ambassador asked me to be a part of their Stronger Than campaign, my anxiety showed up.

I didn't think I had the courage and the humility to once again face what has held me back for so long. I did not think anyone would care because my pain was not trauma related, or so I thought.

Then after some serious consideration I knew that the shoulders of the Brown and Black women that I stand on would not be reflected in my honoring and remembering of them if I chose to not participate.

Women like Ms. Elizabeth Eckford of the Little Rock 9, whose face is commonly known but name is rarely mentioned and until this very day is stronger than her anxiety.

Ms. Elizabeth Eckford was a keynote speaker during the kick off celebration for the Stronger Than campaign on Thursday, March 10th which was strategic and also happened to be Ms. Harriet Tubman’s birthday. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elizabeth_Eckford

Thinking deeper into it I knew that humility was not an option and that false pride would need to take a back seat because noone truly has it altogether. Being able to freely express emotions can be a privilege in itself.

The 400 years of African-American History is a commission with an act that was approved by the senate in 2018 to commemorate the 400th anniversary of the first Africans brought as slaves to the US. Virginia Colony in 1619.

Within this commission of 15 members they have created The Stronger Than campaign which highlights Brown and Black women and the obstacles that we have successfully battled through in the strongest and gentlest of ways.

One of my greatest strengths is Being stronger than beating on myself emotionally.

Self limiting emotions and anxiety do not dictate my worth.

My worth is wrapped within my heart, mind, body and spirit.

My false pride is stripped away because I stand on the shoulders of so many hearts, minds, bodies and spirits that have not had a chance to be emotional, to feel the luxury of quitting, or giving up.

These beautiful Brown and Black women who have had to share their hearts, minds, bodies and spirits unwillingly within a nation (in its darkest times) that has repeatedly disrespected and forgotten them I stand on the shoulders of.

Even until this day this nation does not fully appreciate or see us as a matrix of healing.

Black and Brown women are strong because we heal and are healers.

My true pride says:

Not only am I stronger than beating on myself emotionally…

Not only am I stronger than anxiety…

I am stronger than the daily, casual privilege of forgetting all of the beautiful Brown and Black women that have come before me that I stand on the shoulders of.

I do it with pride and never falsely.

To learn more about The Stronger Than campaign please visit https://www.desu.edu/.../stronger-video-campaign-comes...

To all:

If you need support in overcoming emotional anxiety as a trauma or the emotional abuse of yourself please know that one of the most prevalent causes of emotional anxiety is irrational thinking: You can, however, achieve greater hope and optimism by taking small steps to change your mindset. There is hope and I have resources for all women. Please contact me.