English is not my first language. For that reason, I take in what is being said and sometimes I reflect it back at myself to understand what it is that I understand. So the idea of emancipating my people is interesting to me because “my people” could suggest that the people belong to me, and I belong to the people. I am a Sister because I come from a population, a heritage, an ancestry.
The emancipation aspect of it is interesting because we have the opportunity to emancipate ourselves. We can emancipate ourselves. The first thing is to have the will to emancipate oneself, so that once the realisation is that something is not quite right, I’m not sure if what I’m being told is correct. I’m not sure I want to swallow everything that I’m being given. I’m hearing that there is another frame of reference. There is another truth. Something is being hidden from me. I’m not being told the entire story. I’m only being told his story, and who is he that his story should be predominant? I want to know my story. My story should not be a mystery to me.
There is a story that must be told and half of it has not been told. In fact, more than half of it has not been told. So emancipating oneself is to step outside of the confines and the boundaries of that which one is being told. Because if one is shackled and takes in hook, line, and sinker every single thing being told by a people who have oppressed us over the years, and our biggest crime is living whilst Black, if we take in everything being told, we are not emancipated.
If I am seeing images and reflections of myself being murdered, shot while in bed, having someone kneel on my neck publicly and nobody intervenes, if I am experiencing or hearing about the injustice and doing nothing, I can’t possibly be emancipated. There is still something holding me back. There is something that must be done to disrupt this phenomena that has gone on for generations, and generations, and generations. It is not a recent thing.
These modern-day lynchings and murders by people in uniform is not a new phenomenon. Afrikan people being killed and violated for entertainment is not a new phenomenon. It is something that has been happening, and we are affected by it. We are traumatised by it. In fact, the world should be traumatised by it.
And so the emancipation process has to be one where I recognise these things are happening, recognise the impact on myself, recognise that I have not been told the entire truth, seek the truth, know myself, and act accordingly. Then and only then can I begin to think of myself as being on the way to being emancipated.
Practical Steps to Emancipation
Emancipating oneself requires conscious effort and action. Individuals seeking this can work with a qualified life coach. Here are some practical steps to help in this journey:
1. Educate Oneself
Seek out literature, history, and narratives from diverse sources. Understanding the full scope of history from multiple perspectives is crucial. This helps to build a more complete picture and fosters a sense of identity and belonging.
2. Community Engagement
Connect with others in the community who share the same heritage and experiences. Participating in discussions, support groups, and community events can strengthen the sense of solidarity and collective empowerment.
3. Cultural Expression
Embrace and celebrate Cultural heritage through art, music, dance, and storytelling. This not only preserves Cultural identity but also educates others and promotes Cultural sensitivity.
Emancipation and Mental Health
The impact of racial trauma on mental health cannot be overlooked. Statistics reveal that Black individuals in the UK are significantly more likely to experience mental health issues due to systemic racism and discrimination. For instance, Black adults are more than four times more likely to be detained under the Mental Health Act than White adults (NHS Digital, 2020). Recognising this disparity is essential in addressing the root causes and seeking appropriate support.
Seeking Professional Help
Working with a qualified life coach who understands Cultural sensitivity can be a transformative step. A life coach can provide guidance, support, and tools to navigate the complex emotions and challenges arising from systemic oppression. For more information, visit SisDr, a qualified life coach specialising in Cultural sensitivity.
Embracing Empowerment
True emancipation is a continuous journey of self-discovery, learning, and action. It requires recognising the past, understanding the present, and actively shaping the future. Educating oneself, engaging with the community, expressing Cultural identity, and addressing mental health, can help move towards a more liberated and empowered existence.
SisDr
Life and Leadership Coach Specialising in Cultural Sensitivity
Coach | Counsellor | Author | Speaker | Activist
For more information and support on the journey to emancipation, connect with me here.