February:  The Month of Love

By Willie Brown

February is affectionately called “The Month of Love,” because of Valentine’s Day.  But it is so much more.  So as we celebrate that day, as well as Black History Month, why not think of ways to celebrate love in all of its many forms?

Begin by showing more love to yourself, your family and your community.    Start with loving you.  Show love to your body, especially your heart, by paying close attention to your heart’s health.  February is Healthy Heart Month, an observation established by the American Heart Assn.  Some of the warning signs of a heart attack include chest discomfort, pain or discomfort in the arms (one or both), back, neck, jaw or stomach; shortness of breath, breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea, rapid or irregular heartbeat, feeling lightheaded or unusually tired.

So, if you are currently experiencing these symptoms, or know someone who is, please do not ignore them.  See a doctor right away.  Learn about ways to keep your heart in good shape, such as regular exercise, a balanced, nutritious diet, and the avoidance of nicotine, marijuana and other harmful drugs.  

If heart disease runs in your family, make heart exams a part of your routine checkups.  Whatever you do, don’t try and diagnose yourself using the Internet.  You run the risk of either underestimating the status of your health, or stressing yourself out, worrying about something that is not a cause for alarm.

Then you must show love to your mind by guarding your mental health.  There is so much happening now, so fast.  You have to get out ahead of potential harmful situations.  One of the best ways is to prepare for disaster.  Put together an emergency bag in case you have to flee suddenly from your home.

Stock up on dried and canned foods in case you have to shelter in place.  Keep some cash on hand, and try to keep at least a half tank of gas in your car.  You never know what can happen.  Being prepared for emergencies gives you a sense of security and peace of mind.  Make sure you have copies of important documents, and keep receipts organized.  Seconds count in an emergency.

With Felon47 back in the White House, many people are stressed out.  They are afraid of what is happening and what may yet happen to their lives and their families.    This is understandable.  However, this is no way to live long term.  You must find a way to live your life regardless.  

It is imperative that you surround yourself with people you love and trust.  Be willing to be generous, share information and resources.  Be willing to ask for help.  Black folks survived and succeeded during the Montgomery Bus Boycott by sticking together, offering rides to work and even walking.  They were committed to working together, and they survived.  This is how we will survive again. This is not a year to go it alone.

As we reflect on Black History during this month of love, let us reflect on what Black people did to make history.   What did they have to go through to bring their ideas to life?  What did they have to sacrifice for the good of everyone?

The powers that be are trying to erase our history and our legacy.  We cannot let this happen.  And we will not, if we remember that persistence, determination, and cooperation are the ingredients that made history happen.  We have these qualities.  The proof is the fact that despite all of the racism, injustice and attacks against us—we’re still here.  

Black people are way tougher than even we give ourselves credit for.  This is something that no one can ever take away.  Happy Black History Month.