Black History Month Focus
By Lamont Landers
As I complete my morning workout and the sweat is still dripping from my face, I suddenly feel an overwhelming sense of pride. It’s Black History Month!
I then begin to think about the importance of physical fitness and health for African American men. I begin to wonder how I can articulate the need for us as Black men to stay vigilant with working out and not taking our health for granted. Our health is so very important and what better time to express this than during this month. How can I show the relationship between the two?
Suddenly my thoughts take a turn in a different direction. Because it’s Black History Month, it is equally important to promote the mental fitness of Black men. We are in trying times as a race so it is important that we do not just take care of ourselves physically but it is equally as important to do so mentally.
It is understood that being a Black man in America does not give you an advantage. It does not guarantee you wealth, stability or opportunities that may be afforded to others. This is not saying that we want handouts or an unfair advantage over others. What it does guarantee however is a mental fortitude that is created from circumstances, life experiences, and some life setbacks.
From childhood, we learn that mental toughness is what can make us succeed in life and the lack of it can bring a defeatist attitude or failure. Gangs, ghettos and poverty are not what define us as men. We can have the mental capacity to persevere and continue to strive despite those circumstances.
This is not easy although we sometimes make it look so. African American men come from a lineage of Kings with the ability to love, have fun, take care of our families and excel mentally and physically. This is truly where our mental fitness comes from.
These are the things that inspire us to take two steps forward instead of one, have the bravery to speak the truth when lying would be so much easier, or be empathetic although it is often not reciprocated.
For this Black History Month, my goal was to truly inspire African American men to take pride in working out and fitness, but now I find myself wanting to express the pride that I feel because we as Black men have shown the ability to achieve from the start of the 1619 project to the present day. Mental toughness and mental fitness, yea we truly have this, and what a great month to remind ourselves of how strong we truly are. Have a great Black History Month and always remember that mental and physical health is our greatest wealth.
Cover Photo: Rayshawn Bryant – Amateur Body Builder
