About

What is Courageously Concerned – the blog?

Being the oldest of three and constantly coaching and mentoring children younger than me, my Mom always tells me “your actions are not your own.” So, people and community are at the foundation of everything I do, and this blog is no different. This is not a “political” blog or a “lifestyle” blog, I’m not about to limit myself like that! Simply said, this a people-centered blog. This blog centers around discovering and then sharing the authentic truth (sprinkled in with a little honest commentary), boldly addressing concerns, and, ultimately, making a positive difference for everyone.

How did Courageously Concerned emerge?

I was in my sophomore year of high school, around 2015, suddenly and acutely aware of the challenges my baby brother was about to face as he got older when my Mom encouraged me to create a platform to inform people and create some changes. I do not know how else to say it but I was hurt and confused, and I felt stuck. It seemed that every time I turned on the TV or opened Facebook or Twitter there was a new hashtag emerging with news about another unarmed Black man or woman killed or just some horrifically negative story.

The idea that my baby brother, whom I see as immensely talented, handsome, an emerging actor and artist, an innovator, and a brilliant filmmaker, would not be viewed as such to other people is hard to stomach. For some, it would be his skin color that would speak first and put a negative label on him, a label I am aware exists, but it is a label I don’t see. The fact of the matter is not everyone will see the brother I prayed for in a positive light like me.

There is much that needs to be improved and changed for my brother and allllll the other little children in the world. When you become incredibly conscious of the changes needed around you it becomes scary. But that is the honest truth on how this blog emerged… because I had (and still have) so much on my mind on what needs to be changed/improved for my brother and so many others.

What is Courageously Concerned – the action?

The action of being Courageously Concerned is being audacious and speaking up for what is right, even when it is unpopular or even discouraged. Courageously Concerned sheds a light (or lights) and starts the conversation on various concerns and issues, but it also encourages and empowers others to seek the unfiltered truth. I have learned, from my parents’ actions, that when you truly love someone or something you challenge them to do better. It is a constant challenge (!!); at times it is tough love. [Emphasis on love.] So, here I am challenging my community, my city, my state, my nation, and so much more. But I do it out of love and expectation that we can do better. It definitely takes a lot of courage. If you do not push the ones and things you love to do better (even if that requires uncomfortable change) then that love is not agape love nor is it authentic love.

Why be so audacious? Well, because I am told to be Courageously Concerned: Deuteronomy 31:6 “Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the LORD your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you.”

What role do I play?

We all play a role, and, yes, our roles are different, but nonetheless, there is part to be played. My goal is that this blog encourages and empowers you to not only find the role you’re supposed to play but to boldly play it!

Thank you for entering this journey with me! Together, we will be courageous on this journey towards greater. This isn’t just my blog, it’s our’s… So, stay in touch and share your concerns with me.

#CourageouslyConcerned