Last night, Lamar and I attended, an event in Atlanta that was sponsored and hosted by Wells Fargo. We met with a group of African American digital influencers to have a conversation on the importance of sharing our stories. And I knew just from the topic that it was going to be a great conversation. But I really wasn’t prepared for just how much the stories were going to impact me and the other participants.
From the moment we started sharing, the tears started flowing as people opened up to share their testimonies, their experiences, and the things that they’ve learned growing up. It was truly an inspiring evening and it really confirmed something that Lamar and I say all of the time. When you go through something, you have to turn your test into a testimony so that you can then help someone else that is going through the same thing. Check out 3 more reasons why African Americans,in particular, need to share their stories more often:
1. To find healing – In order to find healing, you need to deal with any past issues or trauma by talking about or writing about any pain that you are holding on to. Then, let that pain go by deciding to forgive those that have hurt you.
Forgiveness helps you to overcome obstacles. Helps you to release the hurt and make room for good things. #MyUntold @wellsfargo #sponsored
— BMWK (@blackandmarried) March 5, 2015
2. To create our own narrative – There are so many negative stereotypes and plain old lies that are circulating about us. We can no longer depend on others to tell our story, we need to do it ourselves. That is why we started this site… because we know that healthy relationships do exist in our community and it is our mission to spread the word about them.
"Black women are not angry. We are overwhelmed." ~ @JaiStone thanks to @WellsFargo #MyUntold #sponsored
— Joyce Brewer | Atlanta TV Host | On-Camera Host (@MommyTalkShow) March 5, 2015
3. To inspire and encourage others – You never know who is listening to you. You never know who was on the brink of giving up, but they heard your story and was encouraged to try one more day.
Aphoto posted by Lynsey Weatherspoon (@lnweatherspoon) on
This is why we are so happy to help spread the word about the Wells Fargo: The Untold Stories Collection, a story-telling initiative that offers a glimpse of what it means to be African American today. It’s comprised of a collection of videos of African Americans from across the country that are sharing their inspiring untold stories and making a difference one story at a time.
Please join us on March 19th for a Google Hangout to talk about untold stories and what it means to be African American today. It is going to be a great conversation.
BMWK – do you ever share your story (your testimony) with others? What are you doing to ensure that truth about African Americans is shared with your children, in your extended family and in your community?
Disclosure: This is a sponsored post brought to you by Wells Fargo. I have partnered with them to spread the word about the Wells Fargo: The Untold Stories Collection. All opinions and stories are my own.