During the 60s, I was just an infant and I was too young to remember the riots that occurred in Chicago following the assignation of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorials of the hurt and anger experienced at that time still stands today in the form of boarded up buildings on the westside near Madison Avenue and Pulaski Road. However, some structures in that area were not destroyed. For example, the public library that is located on Pulaski Road. Similarly, we need to try to keep our composure during these times in order to survive and stand strong after this crisis is over. We are currently living during a historical era of a pandemic and peaceful protests globally regarding police brutality and the murder of many Black native born Americans. By May 25, 2020, the death of George Floyd was the most recent reported murder of a Black man by a police officer.
Historically, native born Black people who are descendants of slaves have always had to deal with stressful uncertain living conditions in the United States of America. Homelessness, hunger, abuse, violence, unemployment and underemployment as well as, disparities regarding available resources and assistance. How can we stay strong and how can we keep our composure through these pressing times? I am glad that you asked. Here are five tips that I have found to be very helpful and I would like to share them with you.
- Try to eat nutritious foods and drink plenty of water
- Get the proper amount of sleep and rest
- Connect with other people who are wise and comforting
- Take some time to pray, read the Bible, and meditate on the LORD
- Think about the goodness of the LORD and all of the blessings that he has given you