RE: 2021 Black HIstory Theme for Black History Month

Published: Tue, 02/02/21

Hey {{ subscriber.first_name | capitalize() or "friend" }},

February is Black History Month.

I have to admit, I was hesitant to send an email to you referencing the significance of this month.

After all, I coach successful people in reaching their next level in every area of their lives. What if you don't want to hear about this from me?

Well, that thought didn't last very long. Especially when I realized that the theme of Black History for 2021 is The Black Family: Representation, Identity and Diversity

Family is important to all of us. It's the fabric of which we are made and the source of our lives and identity.

The Black family has been a topic of study in many disciplines - history, literature, the visual arts and film studies, sociology, anthropology and social policy.

Its representation, identity, and diversity have been reverenced, stereotyped and vilified from the days of slavery to our own time.

While the role of the Black family has been described by some as a microcosm of the entire race, its complexity as the foundation of African American life can be seen everywhere.

When I think about all the ways that Black families have been challenged throughout history, from red-lining to present day realtors asking Black homeowners to remove signs of "overt Blackness" from their homes before going to market, I marvel at the strength and emotional endurance it takes to thrive in environments determined to keep us down.

There are so many stories to share. Some are ready to share them and others find those stories too painful and exhausting to re-live. Each is to be honored and respected.

I'm somewhere in the middle. Wanting to serve and honoring my boundaries at the same time.

I hope you didn't mind me sharing and that you are open to the learning and discovery of cultures different than yours.

If not, that's okay too. I will continue to step into a bigger role in caring, sharing and bringing our beautiful array of colors together to create a world of diversity, inclusion and justice for ALL.

That's why I hope you will purchase, read and leave a review for The Intimacy of Race Book; How to Move Past Subconscious Racism to Active Allyship for People of Privilege.

This was a true labor of love because, to be honest, many times I felt like, why bother? No one cares enough to do the work to really unpack their privilege and commit to sustainable, transformational change.

But, that was how I felt when I got weary. Fortunately, I know how to take my own coaching and re-charge to stay fully committed.

The book is easy, digestible steps to get started, which is what I intended. I know this can be overwhelming for a lot of folks. It's new, it's hard and it's uncomfortable.

But, these are important conversations that cannot be avoided. Learn how to have them in a way that allows being seen, heard and respected.

Don't forget, join The Intimacy of Race Facebook Group for extra support and resources. It's a safe place to navigate these difficult and often intimate conversations about racism and equality.

All the best,

PS. Don't forget to join me live on my Facebook Page, Personal Coach 4 Success Wednesday mornings at 9:30am Pacific. I'll be coaching around fears and everything else that will help you be the best you that you can be. Would love to have you there.

Eva Medilek is a Speaker, Trainer, Certified High Performance Coach, Relationship Success Coach, a graduate of Ascension Leadership Academy and the High Performance Institute. She teaches driven, high achievers to have heightened levels professional success without sacrificing personal fulfillment.