As we begin 2025 with a return of the Trump Administration and it’s beginning to showcase the design to turn back the hands of the racial progress clock with the slashing of diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives at the Federal level, banning books and making it legal to discriminate. Many of us would not have believed that we would see this type of behavior in America again. But it is real, and we need to take several deep breaths and remember that African Americans and Native people have a legacy of being disinherited and finding ways not to allow this type of dehumanization to be the last word in their daily lives. We have many guides who have helped us along the way.

As the daughter of a sharecropper, I learned at a very early age that finding my place to be the person that I was sent to the earth to hold would take hard work and that it would not be laced with privileges and accommodations. In spite of the struggles, there was light. Howard Thurman was one of the points of light that I received. He was one of the greatest blessings that I have been given, and his words continue to be my constant companions. I met him six months before his death in 1981, and I will never cease to be grateful for the time that I got to spend with him.

Join me in listening to him share his deep wisdom which will help us to find the light needed for this season of darkness.