Samantha Hawkins PCC’s Post

As we celebrate Black Women's Rest Day, let’s honor ourselves by embracing the 7 key types of rest: physical, mental, emotional, sensory, creative, social, and spiritual. Remember, rest is revolutionary and essential for our well-being. Take a moment today to focus on what you need most. Whether it’s 30 minutes to disconnect, recharge, or simply be, you deserve it! 💛 #BlackWomensRestDay #RestIsResistance #SelfCare #HolisticHealing #MentalHealthMatters #EmotionalWellness #CreativeRest #SpiritualGrowth #RadicalSelfCare

https://lnkd.in/eUr2FARe I enjoyed my conversation with Ebonyjanice; for years, I felt girls were expected to be responsible too young, and women were expected to be serious all the time. Often, it was hard to see women fully engaged in play. I am happy to see the conversation started about embracing play, dreams, and the softer side of life, which work on your purpose. EbonyJanice discusses her book 'All the Black Girls Are Activists' and the importance of softness and wellness in Black women's activism. She shares her journey of writing the book, inspired by her experiences and the need to explore the intersection of love, activism, and racial justice. Ebony Janice introduces the concept of womanism and its significance in Black women's feminism. She emphasizes the need for Black women to prioritize self-care, play, and dreaming as tools for radical resistance and liberation. The chapter on wellness highlights the importance of taking care of oneself in order to sustain the work of activism. In this conversation, EbonyJanice emphasizes the importance of caring for oneself as a Black woman or girl. She encourages listeners to think of their wellness journey as a selfish act in order to break free from societal expectations and socialization. EbonyJanice also highlights the significance of honoring and revering ancestors, as well as the need to preserve their wisdom and traditions. She urges listeners to create a project for themselves, imagining the most free version of themselves and continuously evolving towards that vision. Ultimately, EbonyJanice emphasizes that becoming one's true self is the most important work one can do. EbonyJanice of The Free People Project @rowhousepublishing Watch-Like and Follow: YouTube, Spotify, Apple, iHeartRadio #EbonyJanice, #AlltheBlackGirlsAreActivists,#softness, #wellness, #womanism, #Blackwomenactivism,#selfcare, #play, #dreaming, #radical #resistance, #liberation, #wellness,#Blackwomen, #ancestors, #traditions, #freedom,#selfdiscovery

In light of the impactful insights shared in the recent article "How Colorism Impacts Black Women's Physical and Mental Health" on LitHub, it's essential to recognize how colourism profoundly affects Black women's experiences and well-being. As we strive for inclusive marketing practices, we have to address these disparities and ensure that all voices are represented and respected. Inclusive marketing goes beyond diverse imagery; it requires a deep understanding of the unique challenges faced by underserved communities and a commitment to elevating voices authentically. By acknowledging the detrimental effects of colourism, we can better tailor our marketing strategies to promote genuine inclusivity and support the mental and physical health of Black women. This involves creating campaigns that celebrate all shades of beauty, providing platforms for underserved voices, and fostering a culture of respect and understanding. Let's commit to making a difference by advocating for inclusive marketing that not only embraces diversity but also actively works to dismantle harmful biases. Together, we can create a more equitable and supportive environment for everyone. https://buff.ly/3xmwiPA #InclusiveMarketing #Colorism #MentalHealth #DiversityAndInclusion #BlackWomenMatter

We live in a world that is in complete opposition to personal wellness. The daily grind and hustle, coupled with the second shift for women, inflation, racism, and patriarchy are all the antithesis to rest, rejuvenation, and most importantly, the centering of self-love, choice and community. Check out my latest Medium piece about a recent wellness retreat I attended, and why I think it's something all Black women should do. #wellness #selfcare #Blackwomen #DEI #equity https://lnkd.in/gM5Ze-6H

Why do we often equate strength with resilience, especially when it comes to black women? The pervasive narrative that black women must bear the weight of the world has become an unwelcome norm. But let’s pause and reflect: what happens when we are expected to be strong all the time? Day after day, black women navigate a complex landscape of societal pressures, professional demands, and personal challenges. The expectation to constantly show strength can be overwhelming, leading to emotional exhaustion and a sense of isolation. We do not always want to carry the heavy burden of resilience; sometimes, we just want to be vulnerable, to seek support, to be human. It's crucial that we recognise the toll this expectation takes on mental health and well-being. The message that we must be "strong" perpetuates a cycle of silence around struggle and pain. It's time to shift the narrative. Let’s encourage authenticity and openness, creating spaces where black women can express their true feelings without the weight of false expectations. It’s essential that we collectively advocate for a culture that embraces vulnerability alongside strength, allowing us all to breathe, heal, and thrive without the pressure to be unwaveringly strong. #blackwomen #blackwomenstereotype #survivalskills #strongblackwomen #vulnerable #societalpressure

Wellness Wednesday:It's Hard Being a Black Woman To All My Sistas: "I honestly believe we’re so accustomed to delivering the strong Black woman speech to ourselves and everyone else that we lose our ability to connect to our humanness, and thus our frailty. We become afraid to admit that we are hurting and struggling, because we fear that we will be seen as weak. And we can’t be weak. We’ve spent our lives witnessing our mothers and their mothers be strong and sturdy, like rocks. We want to be rocks." (Pickens, Ebony 2016) The idea that the very choices and accomplishments that we worked so hard to achieve might be the very thing that is preventing us from having the kinds of personal and lifestyle choices that we wanted is — in a word — devastating. If we don't take the time to replenish emotionally, spiritually, physically; we will dry up and have nothing left to give. Sometimes it is essential to train our minds to be stronger than our feelings and our boundaries stronger than Our empathy. Black Women....breathe and take off the Cape!!! BW4HL is committed to advocating for the Health and Well-being of Black Women. We also want to promote behavioral changes that will lead to a more healthier future. Please visit our website www.bw4hl.org for more information on upcoming events and activities or contact us at [email protected] or 515-219-4300. #BW4HL #blackwomenshealthmatters

What does colorism have to do with the pursuit of happiness for Black, Brown and Indigenous people? In talking to a friend last night. I felt compelled to write a piece on this topic. The preferential treatment and social stratification based on skin tone, that significantly impacts Black, Brown and Indigenous people’s psyches, leading to dangerous and harmful behaviors like skin bleaching. The desire to lighten one's skin often stems from systemic racism  beliefs and misguided standards of beauty that lighter skin is more beautiful, successful, and socially acceptable. I ask you to take a stand Today,  say no to pervasive cultural, media, and societal messages that glorify lighter skin tones and marginalize darker ones. Be the voice for BIPOC girls and boys around the world who are struggling with low self-esteem inferiority complex, leading to the desire to change their appearance to fit these unattainable beauty standards. According to the National Library of Medicine the “global market for skin whitening is projected to continue grow to reach $15.7 billion by 2030. The target consumers for this sector include women of color, who account for approximately 80% of worldwide sales. Psychological Distress: The relentless pursuit of lighter skin leads to anxiety, depression, suicide and sometimes death. Identity Confusion: Black and Brown children are trying to conform to these standards at any cost and in turn, it is creating a sense of disconnection from one’s cultural and racial identity. Social Pressure and Discrimination: Peers, family, religions and society as well as external pressures lead to discrimination biases that drive the pursuit of lighter skin globally. In simple terms, colorism perpetuates a cycle of psychological harm and reinforces discriminatory practices, undermining the well-being and identity of Black, Brown and Indigenous people with darker skin tones. 

It has taken me some time to digest the racist dehumanisation faced by Diane Abbott. As a person of colour, dissociation from such news is my coping mechanism to deal with the pain it causes. Reading her piece in the Guardian, where she references the Forde Report from 2022, which highlighted similar racist expressions within her party stirred a whirlwind of emotions within me - I've felt numb, angry, scared, saddened, and anxious. I am in awe of her bravery and her ability to continue performing her duties amidst such vile, racist, and toxic attacks from all quarters, from strangers to colleagues. How does she muster the courage to even step outside her house? I remember writing an article for a prominent publication many years back, which received both accolades and vitriol - the latter terrified me to my core. How could individuals, who knew nothing about me, feel entitled to make such horrible and insensitive remarks? Although my experience pales in comparison to what Diane Abbott, Meghan Markle and many others have endured, it still discouraged me from making myself vulnerable again. Yet, if it weren't for the resilience and determination of women like Diane Abbott, who stand firm and push forward, what hopes would there be for the next generation, including my daughter's? As daunting as it may seem, it's a reminder of the crucial role each of us plays in advocating for change within our own spaces and supporting those who, despite facing adversity, continue to lead with courage. The journey toward equality is long and fraught with challenges, but through perseverance and solidarity, we can only hope to see a brighter, more inclusive future. To my fellow Black sisters, please take the time to self-care. Amidst our collective struggle and fight against injustices, nurturing our well-being is essential. Our strength lies not only in confronting external challenges but also in preserving our inner peace. Self-care is an act of resistance, essential for maintaining our resilience and empowering ourselves on this journey towards equality. #dianeabbott #blackwomen #racialequity #StandAgainstRacism #SelfCareForBlackWomen

Extract-“Misogynoir provides a racialised nuance that mainstream feminism wasn’t catching,” says black feminist commentator, Feminista Jones. “We are talking about misogyny, yes, but there is a specific misogyny that is aimed at black women and is uniquely detrimental to black women.” Source: https://lnkd.in/e2DhnFSn Extract-The idea that Black women and girls are undeserving of protection has been a common perception since slavery and as we enter new generations this idea is transmitted in different ways, such as social media. Podcasts are very much a part of the digital space and can create meaningful change within people or endanger others. An increasing number of podcasts have centred on male-focused topics for Black men, which provide Black men and boys affirming spaces, yet these again come at the cost of Black women’s well-being… Source: https://lnkd.in/eKV-sV4S

To My Fellow Black Women in Corporate and Society: Prioritize Yourself and Your Rest In corporate spaces and society, we often carry the weight of everyone’s expectations while sacrificing our own well-being. It’s time to shift that. Prioritize yourself and your rest—because your mental, emotional, and physical health should come first. Over three years ago, during an author talk, I mentioned that I had work to do on myself. True to my autistic nature, my words aligned with the actions that followed. That journey wasn’t easy, but it was necessary. It was about investing in my neurodivergent self in a way that no one else ever had, except my grandmother. I unmasked realising my masked autistic self even though I achieved so much still kept everyone but me comfortable…so now I feel better than ever. For those who’ve met me recently, they’ve noticed the changes. Some people will never meet me again, and that’s okay. Today, I move with more regulation than ever, calm, and selective openness—qualities that took years of healing and prioritizing myself to achieve. I once ran myself ragged in activism, but I realized I can no longer break my back for people who wouldn’t break a nail for me. I will continue to educate and advocate, but I now choose to protect my energy. How people react to me is their responsibility to regulate and unpack. To my fellow Black women: pick yourself first. Silence isn’t the answer, but neither is self-destruction. Find balance—advocate for yourself, but know when to step back, recharge, and recognize who truly supports you. The opposite of activism is not silence—it’s accountability. Those with privilege must take responsibility, and the more privilege they have, the more accountability we must demand. The Lovette you meet today on and offline is more than an educator or an activist she is a human—someone who sees and engages with everyone with clarity and authenticity. Before you take, consider what you’re contributing to my growth and wellbeing too. Where you meet me is where I might meet you, and where I’ll leave you as well if needed. Full video: https://lnkd.in/dRtpf37u To book me: https://lovettejallow.com ✨ How do you prioritize your well-being while advocating for what matters? ✨ #BlackWomen #CorporateLeadership #SelfCare #Boundaries #EmotionalRegulation #Accountability #Activism #MentalHealth #Resilience #RestMatters #Community #Empowerment