Hey y’all, Happy Black History Month!  

This year is especially powerful because 2026 marks the centennial of Black History Month.  It has been 100 years since Dr. Carter G. Wilson first started Negro History Week in 1926, which later grew into Black History Month, which we now celebrate nationally every February.  One hundred years of intentionally naming, honouring, and preserving Black history. That matters. Black History Month is always special to all of us and personal to many of us.  It’s not just about looking back, it’s about looking forward to the future. It’s not just about honouring our ancestors, but honouring who we are right now.  It’s about recognizing strength, brilliance, resilience, and everyday leadership that lives inside our families, communities, and ourselves.

At EPiC, Black history isn’t something we only celebrate in February, over here, every month is Black History Month (ya feel me).  Black history is what we build on.  It’s what we protect. It’s what we continue.  And this month, we are leaning into our wellness (I know, I’m keeping you accountable for your new year goals, wellness better be on the top of the list, activating side-eye).  It’s hard out here in these advocacy streets (I know I’ve said it before. Should it be my catch phrase, hmm). Because advocacy is powerful.  Leadership is powerful.  Showing up for our kids is powerful. We forget to fill our cups.  Many of us are out here running on fumes, not even empty, past empty.  Many of you may be like, “Girl, how did you know?” Like I said it’s hard out there in these advocacy, parenting, life-ing streets.  But guess what, I got something for you.  

You’ve heard me say fifty-’leven times, Circle of Hope.  Circle of Hope is a space that was created for you to exhale (shoop, shoop…ova here singing Whitney Houston).  It’s a space where we don’t have to explain our experiences.  A space where we can speak freely, be honest, and hold space for each other without judgment. In a world that asks Black Parent Leaders and ally leaders to be strong all the time, Circle of Hope reminds us that we can also be supported. This Black History Month, especially this centennial year, wellness is resistance (say it with me y’all).

Rest is strategy.  Community is protection.

By prioritizing our mental, emotional, and collective well-being, we are continuing the legacy of those who came before us.  They fought so we could have a voice.  We honour them by using it and by taking care of ourselves while we do it. If you haven’t joined a Circle of Hope yet or it’s been a while since you’ve participated in a circle, consider this your invitation.  Come as you are.  You don’t have to have it all figured out.  You just have to sit in community (with dinner and childcare, woo-sah). 

As we celebrate 100 years of Black History Month, let’s remember:

  • Our children are watching
  • They’re learning what strength looks like
  • They’re learning what care looks like
  • They’re learning what community looks like

At EPiC, we are committed to making sure they see it all.  We are grateful to walk through this journey with you.

As always… Be well… Be Excellent… Be EPiC!