Black child, take this moment to exhale, reflect, and love your whole self.

What brings you joy?

Where is the source of your joy?

What restores your soul?

What words are echoed in your mind when you think of restoration?

Why do you smile?

Who is the reason behind your smile?

What makes you laugh so hard that you burst into tears?

How do you share your laughter with others?

Where does your imagination take you when you close your eyes?

How does your imagination protect your peace?

What does liberation mean to you?

Where is your liberatory space?

What are your aspirations and wildest dreams?

How will you reach your aspirations?

What makes you feel confident?

How do you measure your confidence?

How is your Blackness magical?

What makes your Blackness beautiful?

What do you love about your culture?

What do you do for the culture?

Who shares a part of your heart?

What song makes you dance your heart out?

What wipes away your tears?

How do you walk into your purpose through the tears?

How do you love yourself?

How do you share your love with others?

What makes you feel authentic?

What do you need in order to be your authentic self?

Hold on to those thoughts, Black child, with all your might. You are loved and your greatness is seen. Keep shining your light despite the dimness of this world. And never stop believing in your magic.

The world is continuously sending messages about mattering and belonging, assigning descriptors to your Blackness that do not reflect what you see. Yet, know that what they see is an illusion; a capsule of ideologies that hold no power over you. In a society that struggles to center humanity, do not forget to center your joy.

Hold on to those thoughts, Black child.

Embrace this world with a critical lens. Remember those who are silent in the face of injustice, and do not invest your spirit in those who carry empty words. Your Blackness is a gift to be cherished. You were beautifully made.

Hold on to those thoughts, Black child, knowing that your life matters and I will always fight for your existence.