working “twice as hard”, and understandably so. The effects of slavery on Black people continue to be felt in the present day.
The legacy of slavery has had a profound and lasting impact on Black communities in the United States and around the world. The forced migration and exploitation of millions of people for centuries has created a systemic racial inequality that is still present today. The legacy of slavery has contributed to the ongoing economic and educational disparities that Black communities face.
Slavery stripped Black people of their land, wealth, and resources, which has hindered their ability to build intergenerational wealth and access to educational and economic opportunities. This has led to a persistent wealth gap between Black and white Americans, where the median wealth of white households is over ten times that of Black households.
Additionally, the legacy of slavery has also had a significant impact on the mental health of Black people. Slavery and its aftermath have created a trauma that has been passed down through generations, which has led to higher rates of depression, anxiety, and PTSD among Black people.
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But instead of bearing the burden of closing these gaps through sleepless nights and grinding, Tricia Hersey pushes us to “…consider the fact that your Ancestors built this entire nation for free with their stolen labor. Use this knowledge to tap into what they have already done, so you don’t have to grind yourself into oblivion now.”
Incorporating rest into New Year’s resolutions can include setting aside time for daily self-care practices such as meditation, yoga or journaling, or to schedule regular mental health days, or even better, taking a whole day to relax and do nothing. It can also involve creating a more conducive environment for rest, like setting up a comfortable sleeping area or optimizing your sleep routine.
In summary, Rest is an important aspect of our lives, and it is often overlooked in New Year’s resolutions. Incorporating rest and self-care into New Year’s resolutions can have a significant impact on overall well-being and productivity.
By prioritizing rest, we can reduce stress, improve mental and physical health, and, in the process, push back against systems that are fueled by our exhaustion and disconnection from our bodies and spirits.
Tiyanna Stewart Teuw is a SpeakUp! Program Associate and Howard University ’18 alumni.