Thankful to Be Black

For many of us, November has been an early winter. While the snow has not arrived yet, the coldness of America, American race relations, has chilled us to the bone. It's a season that has left us frozen in despair. It's a season that has made us question, "Why are we here? Where do we go from here? How will we make it from here?" 

But, it is a wonderful time to hug the past and the present--embracing how far we have come and all of the struggles we have graduated from. Remember how much you love your community. Be thankful that you are Black. 

1. Be grateful for the clay we were made from. The potter makes no mistakes.

@deunivory as seen by @ericmichal

A photo posted by CRWN Magazine (@crwnmag) on Oct 25, 2016 at 11:29am PDT

2. Be grateful that resistance is in our family tree. It saved us in the past, and it will save us now.

Throughout our history of oppression and struggle there have been strong women who fight on the side of righteousness and justice. The ritual killings of Black men and women by the police are intended to inspire fear like the public lynchings of old. We're not afraid. We're ready. We have a great history of resistance and rebellion to use as a roadmap to deal with an old threat with a new face. Repost @kxngcrwn

A photo posted by CRWN Magazine (@crwnmag) on Jul 8, 2016 at 12:07pm PDT

3. Be grateful that we have never quit on ourselves, even when the world did.

Sisterhood is everything. There is enough for all of us. Let's get it — together! @chiandebs as seen by @4stories_hi_in_brixton #CRWN #CRWNMAG

A photo posted by CRWN Magazine (@crwnmag) on Apr 6, 2016 at 7:07am PDT

4. Be grateful that our leaders loved us so much, that they exchanged their lives so we can have the chance live.

He didn't do it on Twitter. He didn't do it part time. He spent his days organizing, teaching and working to free his people. It is not enough to think like him or sound like him — we have to serve like him. Peace be upon #MalcolmX #MoreMenLikeMalcolm

A photo posted by CRWN Magazine (@crwnmag) on May 19, 2016 at 9:01am PDT

5. Be grateful that we stand now and forever.

@writtenbyherself and @zakkiyyahnajeebah as seen by @kingtexas #CRWN

A photo posted by CRWN Magazine (@crwnmag) on Jan 7, 2016 at 9:03pm PST

6. Be grateful for the future. Be grateful that we have the god-given opportunity to make each generation freer than the last.

little black girl, you will always be enough. all ways.

A photo posted by alexandra (@alex_elle) on Sep 27, 2016 at 5:08pm PDT

7. Be grateful for your limbs. You have the honor to work, to create what you want Black to represent--with your bare hands.

Last chance... Our Editor-In-Chief standing in front of a year's worth of networking, casting, writing and photographing. Tonight it's on the wall. In a couple of weeks it will be printed and perfect bound and ready to ship. For those of you who've already ordered — thank you for your support and patience. If you haven't already, now is your last chance to pre-order the first issue.

A photo posted by CRWN Magazine (@crwnmag) on Aug 16, 2016 at 8:52pm PDT

We want to tell our triumphant stories. Click here to grab your issue of CRWN Magazine, and let's talk about it.