February is a time of celebration—a moment when we reflect on the brilliance of African American culture, contributions, and history. But alongside this celebration, we must also acknowledge the weight of shame placed upon us, both historically and presently. This shame—rooted in oppression, systemic racism, and generational trauma—was never ours to carry. Yet, it has been used to stifle our greatness. But, resilience is on the other side.

Resilience is something we have always possessed. It is woven into our DNA, passed down from ancestors who endured the unimaginable but never lost sight of their worth. It propels us forward, fuels our excellence, and demands that we hold onto our power.

To truly embrace and cultivate resilience, we must move with PRIDE—not just as a feeling, but as a mindset and movement.

P.R.I.D.E.: The Pillars of African American Resilience

P – Perseverance

Resilience is built on the ability to persevere through adversity. African Americans have faced centuries of systemic oppression, yet we continue to rise. Think of Harriet Tubman, who escaped slavery and then risked her life repeatedly to free hundreds of others. Her perseverance wasn’t just about survival; it was about ensuring the survival of her people.

R – Resourcefulness

From the Harlem Renaissance to the Black Wall Streets of Tulsa and Durham, we have always found ways to create, innovate, and thrive, even in the face of economic exclusion. Madam C.J. Walker, the first self-made female millionaire in the U.S., built an empire in the early 1900s, securing financial independence for herself and opening doors for countless Black women.

I – Identity

Resilience requires a strong sense of identity—knowing who we are beyond the labels society places on us. The shame imposed upon us sought to strip away our connection to our roots, but we reclaimed it. The 1960s Black Power Movement, led by figures like Angela Davis and Kwame Ture (Stokely Carmichael), reinforced the beauty of Blackness, emphasizing our right to define ourselves on our own terms.

D – Determination

Determination is the refusal to accept defeat. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. led a movement rooted in unwavering determination, pushing forward despite threats, arrests, and, eventually, assassination. His dream of justice and equality was not just his own—it was the collective will of a people who refused to be silenced.

E – Excellence

Excellence is the standard, not the exception. We have continuously shattered ceilings from sports to science, literature to leadership. Serena Williams, with her record-breaking tennis career, and Dr. Mae Jemison, the first Black woman in space, embody Black excellence in fields that weren’t always welcoming. Their achievements remind us that we are limitless.

Holding Onto Resilience

Resilience is not just about enduring hardship—it’s about transforming pain into power. It’s about rejecting shame and embracing the legacy of strength that belongs to us. As we celebrate Black History Month, let’s honor the struggles, triumphs, and brilliance of those who came before us. Let’s continue building, creating, and uplifting, knowing our resilience is our heritage and future.

We stand on the shoulders of giants. And with PRIDE, we move forward—unshaken, unstoppable, and unbreakable.

References:

(2018). United States : Gov. Haslam, Sen. Alexander, Tennessee Department of Tourist Development Officially Dedicate 10 Tennessee Sites on U.S. Civil Rights Trail. MENA Report, (), .