Lift every voice and sing, till earth and heaven ring. Ring with the harmony of liberty, let our rejoicing rise high as the listening skies, let it resound loud as the rolling sea!
On any given Monday morning during the general assembly at my high school in Antigua, these words echoed throughout the auditorium. A chorus of voices, young and full of promise, singing a song that carried the weight of history and the hope of the future.
Today, as a Black immigrant in the United States, these words hold an even deeper meaning. In a time when history is being challenged, rewritten, or even erased, I find myself returning to this anthem; a reminder that our past cannot be silenced, and our voices must continue to rise.
I think about my children and the world they are growing up in. We live in a time where the climate feels increasingly divisive, where narratives are crafted to undermine our identities and devalue our worth. These forces seek to rewrite history, misrepresent who we are, and diminish the strength of our roots. This struggle is not just political, it’s personal, and it takes a toll on our mental health. Constantly being confronted with a narrative that seeks to invalidate our existence can shake the very foundation of our identity, challenging our sense of self-worth. And yet, as Black immigrants, we often find ourselves navigating the complexities of both the erasure of our histories and the marginalization of our immigrant identities.
But in those moments of doubt or when the weight of this world feels unbearable, I remind myself, and my children, that our worth is inherent. It is not defined by what others try to impose on us or by the systems that have historically tried to suppress us. We are not a product of oppression. We are a product of resilience, innovation, and greatness that exists in every part of our being. Our history is proof of that, and it is one of the greatest gifts we can pass down.
Healing from the mental and emotional scars of historical trauma, systemic racism, and the constant bombardment of negative stereotypes requires more than simply knowing our history. It requires action. We must teach our children and our communities not only the triumphs of our past but the strategies for healing. From cultural practices that promote collective care to individual acts of self-love and affirmation, there are ways to actively nurture our mental well-being. By cultivating a mindset that respects and values ourselves, we create a shield that protects our spirit against the constant threats to our dignity.
I want my children to see themselves in the inventors, the activists, the artists, the scholars, and the dreamers who refused to be defined by oppression. I want them to walk with their heads high, knowing they come from a lineage of greatness. Understanding where we come from is not just a source of pride, it is a tool for healing, a foundation for good mental health. When we recognize the depth of our history, the resilience of our ancestors, and the power of our culture, we gain a sense of self that is unshakeable, even in the face of adversity. This knowledge helps us protect our mental health by reminding us of who we are, even when the world tries to tell us otherwise.
This knowledge gives us the strength to value and respect ourselves. It teaches us that our worth is not defined by external achievements or opinions but by our inherent humanity. It empowers us to understand that no matter what the world may throw our way, we have a foundation built on strength, love, and perseverance. By embracing our roots, we affirm our place in this world, and in doing so, we protect our mental well-being, nurturing a sense of belonging, purpose, and inner peace.
But perhaps just as important as marching on toward victory is pausing to rest—to reflect and care for ourselves when needed. The fight for justice, while crucial, should not come at the expense of our mental health. In Black history, there are not just stories of endurance, but also of rejuvenation, healing, and the restoration of spirit. As we honor those who fought for us, we must also honor our own need to rest, to heal, and to tend to the wounds that persist.
So, as we face the divisive climate of today, may we continue to “sing a song full of the faith that the dark past has taught us,” and let our voices rise in defiance against any force that seeks to erase or diminish our worth. May we stand firm in our truth and “march on till victory is won,” knowing that our history is not just something to remember, but something to live, celebrate, and carry forward with pride.
Acknowledgment: Lift Every Voice and Sing by James Weldon Johnson (lyrics) and John Rosamond Johnson (music), 1900.
Your history matters, your healing matters, you matter. For more blogs and resources related to this topic, go here. You are not weak for wanting or needing support. If you’re seeking professional help, we encourage you to use TWLOHA’s FIND HELP Tool. You can also text TWLOHA to 741741 to be connected for free, 24/7 to a trained Crisis Text Line counselor. If it’s encouragement or a listening ear that you need, email our team at [email protected].