Game Changers

Game Changers 

This month, during our Mindful Discussion, we discussed the topic of “Game Changers”. Now if you’re asking yourself, what does she mean by “Game Changers”, I have the answer for you. Anyone, anywhere, at any time can be a game changer, but this month we are focusing on Black game changers who have soared to greatness despite adversities.

Before we dive into this discussion, there are a few things about mindfulness that I want to keep in mind as we continue. Remember to always be mindful of your impact, which is how you interact with people and present yourself to the world. Everyone has an impact on the people they interact with. Keep in mind that mindful work is hard and you have to be ready for longevity! Give yourself grace as you explore these possibly new and uncomfortable discussions. If you’re looking for a lasting change, it is important to have an action plan to stay engaged and to have community. I know you can do this, let’s dive in!

Success… It is something that practically everyone strives for, and it is born out of struggle. However, we need to ask ourselves, “Is the struggle that success is born from equal for everyone?” The answer is a resounding no. Despite that prominent inequality, many Black people have been able to rise above the inequality and were able to change the game in a world that didn’t want them to have any say or influence.

We’re going to begin this discussion with the phenomenal legacy of Harriet Tubman. Harriet Tubman was a female conductor in the Underground Railroad, and after first freeing herself, she went back, at the risk of her own life, to free over 300 slaves! If you are interested in learning more about Tubman’s

unique and inspirational journey, I strongly implore you to watch the movie, Harriet. While some slavery-based movies can be difficult to watch at times, Harriet is a story of triumph and revolution that leaves you feeling encouraged and inspired while also learning invaluable lessons from her story.

It is important to note that game-changing does not only come from adults, children can change the world as well. Imagine being escorted to the First grade by U.S. Marshalls and an angry mob screaming at you. Sounds pretty scary, right? Well, that was life for Ruby Bridges. Ruby Bridges was a child who

helped change the educational experience for every future generation of Black students who came after her. At 6 years old, Ruby Bridges overcame aggressive and threatening White adults who believed that Black and White children should be taught separately. She was yelled at, spit at, and other horrific things by adults decades older than her when all she did was try and go to school. She faced a situation, that most adults would have backed down from, with grace and civility. She never gave back what she was getting from the angry mobs, which proves that her maturity was leaps and bounds above her tender age of 6. Similarly to Harriet, there is also a movie that retells the courageous story of Ruby Bridges entitled Ruby Bridges.

At this point in the conversation, member M. O’Hara asked an important question that takes our mindfulness journey beyond our borders. O’Hara asked, “Is this just an American phenomenon or are there other continents that have issues with race?” Amazing question! Issues surrounding race relations are rooted in the fundamental belief and ideology that one person is better than another person. My mother taught me something on this topic that I then passed on to my children because I think it is a simple and easy way to address this problem. She told me, “You are not better than anyone, and no one is better than you”. If you realize that, you don't have any reason to look down on anyone. And if someone is looking down on you, you don't have to accept that because you already know that no one is better than you, and you are not better than them. 

I want to take a break here and acknowledge something very common for people to experience when discussing race relations. Often people begin to feel badly for the wrongdoings of their ancestors, sometimes to the point where they have negative feelings about what race they are. I don’t want you to dislike your race, I want you to use whatever power and privilege you may have to have conversations in those communities! Not everyone has the same background and knowledge on different topics, so instead of feeling guilty, use your newfound knowledge to educate someone else.

During this discussion, we also talked about the game-changing actions of Nelson Mandela, and his impact on the Apartheid in South Africa, as well as Bob Marley and the message he put out. To hear more about these last few game-changers, I encourage you to subscribe to one of our Mindful Discussions plans to have access to previous discussions, gain an in-depth understanding of what was discussed, and join the continuing conversation in Slack.

I would love to see you at our next Mindful Discussions on Tuesday, April 2, 2024, I promise you won't want to miss it! Scan the QR Code to become a member of our Mindful Discussions, check out our site, follow our social media accounts, and stay up to date with everything By Sabrina!

Remember to always Be Mindful of your impact, Be Purposeful in what you do, and Be Positive in what you say!

Best,