YOU! HAVE THE POWER | Finding the Root of your New Year’s Resolutions
February 8, 2024 by agutting@reviewjournal.com
Filed under Community
BY DR. ELLEN BROWN
The Root, a publication known for its intense and unapologetic focus on Black culture. has set the stage for what are expected to be hot topics in 2024. Launched in 2008 by Henry Louis Gates (“Finding Your Roots’) and Donald E. Graham, The Root continues making waves with commitment to Black news and views from throughout the diaspora.
Opening up the year is The Root’s list of Black Culture’s 24 Ultimate 2024 New Year’s Resolutions. If you are still looking for meaningful resolutions to consider, this may be your starting point. Here, I take the liberty to select 10 from the list of 24; however, I encourage you to to review all of them (found here: https://www.theroot.com/the-roots-24-most-important-new-years-resolutions-for-2-1851124815/slides/1) and choose those that connect with you then start conversations and engage others.
Here, I summarize 10 of my favorites.
#24. Keep MLK’s Name Out Ya Mouth
Unless you are celebrating MLK’s birthday, who can compare? (Stick to the facts and let it go)
#23. Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas
Lavish gifts? The Root’s take is that everyone should just cop to lavish gifts from wealthy billionaires. (consider the sources)
#21. Protect Black Women’s Mental Health
Duh! ‘Nough said
#18. STOP Colorism!
I give much credit to The Root for bringing this front and center. As a resolution for 2024, they say “we all have to unlearn anti-Blackness and colorism.” Identifying, characterizing, and quantifying people based on their place on the the color wheel may continue to be a personal choice, but we can all do better.
#16. DO NOT MESS WITH BLACK ELECTION WORKERS!
Former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani learned this the hard way, $148 million later. (Better ask somebody!)
#15. DO CHECK OUT BLACK-OWNED BRANDS
Increasing Black Entrepreneurship empowers and enables all! Amazon is the #1 leading company providing growth opportunities to Black entrepreneurs. Check out their business model
#8. DO HOLD POLICE ACCOUNTABLE FOR BRUTALITY
TRUE! Justice for ALL! More victims of police violence must find peace and justice.
#9. DON’T ERASE BLACK HISTORY
It is What it IS! (you hear us, Ron DeSantis?). Let schools teach about Black history and the legacy of racism.
#2. DO TALK ABOUT MENTAL HEALTH
Every culture, race, ethnicity, and gender experiences mental health challenges. Telling your stories can open minds. Let’s take better care of our mental health in 2024!
#1.DO KEEP DEMANDING BETTER FROM THE SYSTEM!
Rep. Cori Bush (D-MO) supported federal workers in their fight for more equitable workplaces for all. In summary, America is seeming to re-emerge as a country of change in how it empowers its people. Let YOUR Story be told so that it may be HEARD. Work together. I was taught that we all want the same things: life, liberty and justice for all. YOU Have the Power.
Dr. Ellen Brown enjoys sharing YOUR stories and writing on topics that encourage, enlighten, and invite discussion that leads to Action. With Action comes POWER! Ellen welcomes your ideas and stories on how you use your Power! Ebrown.nci@gmail.com
