The fan she holds is more than a fashion statement.
It’s a memory. A message. A map back to self.
In the folds of that bold African print are whispers of grandmothers, village markets, mango trees, and lullabies sung in mother tongues. It carries the weight of what we lost—and the power of what we can reclaim.
This Mental Health Awareness Month, I want us to talk about something we don’t hear enough:
Sometimes the medicine you need isn’t in a bottle or a therapist’s chair.
Sometimes, it’s in the culture you’ve been disconnected from.
The way we dress. The foods we eat. The names we carry. The music that moves our hips without permission. These are not just aesthetic choices—they’re threads of identity. And when we lose them, we lose a piece of ourselves.
But here’s the good news:
You can return to your roots—and find your healing there.
Three ways to reconnect with your cultural identity as a path to wellness:
1. Wear your story with pride.
Whether it’s an Ankara fan, a kente headwrap, or a waist bead, adornment is affirmation. When you dress in your heritage, you remind the world—and yourself—of where you come from and why that matters.
2. Ask the elders.
Call your auntie. Visit your grandmother. Learn your people’s stories while you still can. Every recipe, every proverb, every family photo is a piece of your wellness puzzle.
3. Create rituals that honor your lineage.
Light a candle. Play old-school spirituals. Braid your hair with intention. Healing can be cultural. It can be ancestral. It can be yours.
You are not just someone who comes from greatness.
You carry it.
And when you remember who you are, the healing begins—not just for you, but for everyone watching.
If this post reminded you of your roots or lit a fire in your spirit, don’t let it stop here.
Share this with a sister, comment below with your favorite cultural memory, and follow the blog for more soulful reflections all month long.
Together, we heal.
Together, we remember.
Together, we rise.
