I was watching House Hunters on HGTV as a couple from Wisconsin talked about the house they wanted to buy down south to get away from the cold. I watched them stand in the snow, casually skeet shooting, describing what they wanted their dream home to be. As they launched disks into the air and shot each one down, I felt a wave of discomfort, anger and disgust come over me and I couldn’t turn my TV off fast enough. When simple, everyday activities are too difficult to face, that my friends, is a textbook response to trauma. And, I’m absolutely sick of it.

As we live each day through this pandemic and see the loss of black lives surpass all others, the video loop of Ahmaud Arbery being shot and killed can feel like too much to bear. 

Countless times, even I have felt real fear on my daily walks in my suburban neighborhood when I turn down an unfamiliar street. Inherently, I know, that my black body can be viewed as a threat instead of the empathetic, ball of enthusiasm I am at my core. Add to that my gender and socialization that I am prey and there you have an equation for daily, internal crisis. 

It is my sincere belief that to be healthy and black is an act of empowered resistance. To seek health and wellness is an act of self-love and for me, self-love is freedom. To be black and healthy is a personal protest against injustice from far too many years of disregard for our humanity. That’s why it is so painful to see people ignore calls to practice social distancing and other ways to protect themselves during this pandemic. I know some will say seeing a man shot down while jogging proves it doesn’t matter anyway, but I argue that it does. Just try. And take whatever healthy action you can to protect your mental, emotional and physical health right now, too. Whether it’s changing the channel when you feel triggered or talking to an empathetic coach or therapist. 

No matter what you see, hear or may even believe, your life matters, you deserve to be here and caring for your health is a way to experience freedom. I support you in the bold action to protect your precious, black life. Despite all the injustice, I want you to keep living. 

Keshawn Hughes is a strategic communicator, wellness advocate and neuroscience enthusiast. She helps individuals and organizations improve their lives and business outcomes by providing practical methods and data-based principles along with lessons from her own personal and professional development journey. Schedule a Coaching Discovery Call with Keshawn and learn more ways to optimize your life at keshawnhughes.com