Embracing My Diverse Identity
As an Afro-Cuban American citizen born in Cuba, and having immigrated to the US at age four, I have a unique perspective on identity and resilience. America is my beloved home, yet I often find myself fitting into no single group. The Black Americans remind me that I am Latina and not Afro-American, while the Cubans in America try to distance themselves from their Black and Indian roots, making me feel unwelcome at their party. However, I embrace my diverse identity and relate to all aspects of how a person sees me when I enter a room. I love my mocha skin, curves, and hazel eyes. As a successful entrepreneur who started from zero to thriving, I understand the journey from being broke to upper-middle class, each level offering its own lens and perspective. Most importantly, I identify as both Black and Hispanic.
The last few weeks have been a roller coaster of amazement and discovery about the core of our nation. I’ve found myself engrossed on social media, captivated by the election aftermath and its mixed responses. The spectrum of emotions—excitement, disappointment, and outright outrage—has been fascinating but also deeply concerning. The anger, the meltdowns, the division, and the racist attacks have highlighted a critical moment for reflection. It’s time to call upon adults to help guide not only themselves but also their children through this challenging period.
Black Women Empowerment: Embracing Strength & Resilience
We’ve witnessed unacceptable language and behavior from both adults and children. Young and millennial men shouting “Your Body, My Choice,” emails to African American children telling them to “report to plantations for slave duty,” Black women being verbally attacked for their overwhelming support of Kamala Harris, and white males pulling guns on Latino children for wanting to play with white children are just a few examples of the marginalizing behavior being displayed.
What I’ve come to understand is that maturity doesn’t always come with age. Many individuals are emotionally stuck due to unresolved childhood trauma, operating from a place of “arrested development” and ignorance. These emotional stagnations and voids can fuel reactions that hinder peace and progress.
Black women invested themselves in mind, body, and spirit in this election. They are the most educated demographic group in America, yet they face the greatest wage disparity, earning only 54 cents for every dollar paid to whites. They have given all they can to be recognized as mere humans. Their hopes and dreams have been shocked but not destroyed. Currently, they are in protective mode and seeking healing, trying to decipher who they are meant to be in their lives.
Emotional Energy and Its Impact on Your Inner Self
When we’re upset or in conflict, our emotional brain (the limbic system) kicks into high gear. This “fight, flight, or freeze” response, while natural, often keeps us locked in cycles of stress and negativity. There are key reasons why emotions linger:
- Unresolved Trauma: Past experiences can leave emotional scars that resurface during stressful times.
- Lack of Support: Without a strong support network, it’s challenging to process and move past negative emotions.
- Continuous Exposure: Constant exposure to stressors, such as social media and news, can keep us in a heightened state of anxiety.
How to Protect Your Heart, Mind, and Peace
- Mindfulness and Meditation: These practices can help calm the mind and reduce the impact of stress on the brain.
- Building a Support Network: Surround yourself with people who uplift and support you.
- Setting Boundaries: Learn to say no to unnecessary stressors and prioritize self-care.
- Continuous Learning: Embrace opportunities for growth and knowledge to boost self-esteem and confidence.
- Positive Thinking: Practice gratitude and optimism to rewire your brain for positivity.
Final Thoughts:
Black women, we are the pillars of strength and resilience. By understanding the neuroscience behind stress and employing strategies to maintain our peace, we can navigate life’s challenges with grace and poise. Remember, maintaining your peace is not a luxury; it is a necessity for your well-being and success. Expectation determines outcomes so embrace your identity, support one another, and continue to strive for excellence. Remember what Camus said “Sometimes carrying on, just carrying on is a superhuman achievement”. As you try to center your life, remember to extend kindness, compassion and grace to yourself.
About the Author
Name: Niobis Queiro
Professional Title: BS MS RHIA CPC, ELI-Practitioner
Bio: Niobis (Nio) Queiro is the founder of The Queiro Group offering Organizational Transformation, AI Management and Implementation, M&A, Advisory Services and Leadership Development Services. Nio is an award-winning author of Joy Notes – Balancing the Trauma with Triumph. Nio’s development and implementation of digital, AI and hyper-automation strategic transformational models was awarded one of the Modern Healthcare Top 25 Innovators of 2021.
