By Vickie Hart-Brant | March 29, 2025

Today, as I reflect on text and phone conversations with family and friends about what is happening before our eyes, I am more determined than ever to get more engaged and be the change I wish to see. The context is unclear, but I understand that sitting, talking, and texting will not affect change in this country. The erasure of Black history and culture is an assault and insult to the contributions of our ancestors and elders. Indisputably, America was built on the bLack of our ancestors. And we have every right to exist and be unhindered in our pursuits of life, liberty, justice, and prosperity as any other race of people. Why does generational wealth have to be a curse and not a blessing when spoken from the lips of Black people? It shouldn’t be! We are curators of our past, creators of our present, and influencers of our future. We have, we do, and we will continue to influence culture and the arts, math and science, the humanities, sports, and entertainment, theology, and philosophy, and well beyond words I can conjure when I think of the gifts and talents Black people share with the world every day–unabashed and with great confidence. And should I even courageously mention the theft of our culture and giftedness? The only reason we are a target of erasure is because we are anointed and powerful people. Don’t forget that…we have been to hell and back and continue to survive and thrive against all odds. Mama them taught us survival skills: “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding; In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” – Proverbs 3:5-6. It worked for my grandparents, my parents and it’s working for me and my siblings. And I pray that our children and their children and generations unborn will understand there is a power higher and mightier than the President of the United States of America and Congress. So I encourage you not to faint or lose heart in doing what is right, what is just, and honorable before God and the people of God, because it is promised that you will receive generously if you endure to the end. I am confident God will get the last say because throughout scripture we are warned and admonished on the treatment of the poor, widows, orphans and children, strangers, and the foreigner. Hear me, without apology, and screaming from the rooftop, I am Black, a bonafide HBCU and meritorious PWI (predominantly white institution) educated Black woman, and I am proud of my blackness! Somebody’s gotta say it, so it might as well be me—giants do fall! So, be encouraged my sistah and my brother! Fear not, God is able to keep you from falling or failing!💜🙏🏾