Love Yourself First: A Tribute to Resilience and Empowerment This Women's History Month
- Karol Brown
- Mar 21
- 2 min read
This March 2, 2025, I had the honor of reading the first chapter of a powerful story live on YouTube as part of Women's History Month. The theme of love and self-acceptance resonates deeply with the journey of many incredible women throughout history. As the iconic Queen Latifah once said, “When I was around eighteen, I looked in the mirror and said, ‘You’re either going to love yourself or hate yourself.’ And I decided to love myself. That changed a lot of things.” This sentiment encapsulates the spirit we celebrate this month: the courage to choose self-love in the face of adversity.
Today, I want to share the story of a remarkable woman who embodies this message: Harriet Tubman, born Araminta Ross around 1820 or 1821 in Dorchester County, Maryland. Though she wasn’t sure of her exact birth date due to the absence of formal records, what is certain is the profound journey she undertook from her early life to becoming a beacon of hope and freedom.
From a young age, Harriet faced immense challenges. Born into a family of nine children, she learned the values of strength and survival under the guidance of her parents—Benjamin Ross and Harriet Green. Despite the harsh realities of slavery, where she was hired out to work in different households, Harriet’s spirit remained unbroken. Her father, a lumberman, taught her essential survival skills—how to navigate the woods, identify safe food, and harness nature's offerings for medicine. These lessons would serve her well, not just for her survival but as foundational traits that would aid her incredible work as a conductor on the Underground Railroad.
As she navigated the cruel realities of her childhood, Harriet also learned resilience. She was often treated harshly by the people she worked for, facing punishment for any perceived shortcomings. It’s a familiar pain many of us can relate to—the struggle against external negativity and the inner battle for self-acceptance.
Through her journey, we see a woman who chose to rise above the pain. Harriet changed her name to honor her mother and embraced her identity in a time when it was often stripped away. This act of self-affirmation is a testament to her commitment to self-love and resilience.
As we honor Women’s History Month, let us reflect on the importance of self-love and empowerment. Harriet Tubman's story is a powerful reminder that even in unfathomable circumstances, taking the step to love and believe in ourselves can lead to revolutionary changes—not just for ourselves but for countless others.
In celebrating heroes like Harriet Tubman, we find the encouragement to nurture our own self-esteem and advocate for positive change. So, as we move through this month, let's remember her legacy. She not only saved herself but also others, proving that loving ourselves first is the foundation for making a difference in the world.
Join me on this journey of reflection and empowerment, and let’s not just celebrate women’s history but actively create a future where self-love empowers all.
Comments