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Jamieson Diaries

Married | Mother | Millennial

All Posts, Dear Diary

5 Ways To Celebrate Black History Month

February 1, 2018 Leave a Comment

5 Ways to Celebrate Black History Month

 

Happy Black history month! This year my family and I made the decision to celebrate more Black holidays. For example Juneteenth and Kwanzaa. This also means Black history month and finding ways to honor what this month is about. I sat down and came up with a personal list of ways to celebrate Black history month this year, and realized there are more than likely many more people wondering the exact same thing. This decision lead me to do this post and share with all of my readers.

It’s also important for everyone reading this post to understand you don’t have to be Black to celebrate Black holidays. You don’t have to be Black to learn Black history because Black history is American history. It’s no different than when people of all backgrounds and ethnicities celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, Cinco de Mayo, etc. (Although Mexican people don’t really celebrate Cinco de Mayo like you’d think) However, when we celebrate days and/or holidays specifically dedicated to our own culture we take immense pride in it. Especially as Black people where so much of our history has been erased or silenced, it’s important for us to take this time to learn about and take pride in ourselves. Here are five ways you can celebrate Black History Month this year.

Black History Month

We’ve all received the very watered down white washed version of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. or Rosa Parks in grade school, but have you taken the time to really learn about these individuals and their fight in the struggle? They don’t even bother to teach us about the importance of individuals such as Malcolm X and Marcus Garvey, but this doesn’t mean we can’t learn about them on our own. I recommend each of you to learn, in detail, about a prominent black historical figure. You can even step it up a notch and challenge yourself to research the name and background of a Black historical figure you’ve never heard of before. In this day and age of technology these names are no longer hard to find. 🙂

This may seem trivial to some but there are many of us who understand the importance this simple task. It is important we support each other when we finally receive the movie roles and portrayals we deserve. It is important we see Black excellence in the form of actors, creators, directors, writers etc. Year after year we hear the argument of there not being enough roles for Black people in all areas of film so when we are in them it’s important we support them. I’m not talking about supporting any films with Black people in them (or written by them) either. Movie roles that stereotype type us or make us out to be less than who we are and what we are should never be supported in my opinion.

Look at the success of the Marvel movie, Black Panther, a year later. We were able to see ourselves as the Kings and Queens we know we are. See ourselves as the intelligent and thoughtful people we know we are. We simply saw ourselves. To continue to see ourselves we have to support Black film and film makers. Black History Month

Black people may be a minority in population but we are the majority in spending. Our buying power is unbelievable but we tend to put our dollars into businesses and systems that don’t support us. Seems counter productive, right? This month, but preferably this year, buy at least one item from a Black owned business. I have a list in my phone of items I want to buy from small Black businesses and plan on buying most if not all of them by the end of this year. For my bank account and husband’s sake I won’t buy them all this month. HA! These are a few of the businesses on my “Black owned to buy” list: Hillman Bookstore, Mahogany Cheers, and African Ancestry. Go check them out!

Black History Month

I touched on this subject at the beginning of this piece. We need to celebrate Juneteenth the same way we celebrate the 4th of July. We need to take the time to learn about Black history the same way we learn other’s history. It is important we celebrate and remember our ancestors and their accomplishments by celebrating their lives. Which means celebrating the days that aren’t marked on the calendar. The same way we celebrate Dr. King we should celebrate brother Malcolm on his birthday. Make sure to mark your calendars for these important days and make it a tradition to so every year. It’ll pass down from generation to generation until it becomes the new norm.

Black History Month

We need to give back. It’s that simple yet we make it so much harder than it needs to be. You do not need to be rich to give back to your community. You need to be caring and determined. Giving back doesn’t always have monetary attachment to it. What God-given talent are you sharing in this life? If you are an artist, volunteer some time to teach children in your local community about art. If you’re good with numbers, teach someone who lacks such knowledge how to balance their finances etc. However, for those of you who prefer to donate money find local organizations that directly benefit a large number of Black people and their advancement. Even if it’s a $10 donation, it’s $10 that will directly benefit the community. I will personally be donating to one of Colin Kaepernick’s #10For10 charities.

 

*Here’s an added bonus for celebrating Black History Month*

If you have not gotten the opportunity to visit the National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington D.C. I highly recommend you do. It is such a transformative emotional rollercoaster that leaves you with the idea of exactly how magical we are as a people. The things we have been through as a people yet how we continue to fight and come out on top is nothing short of the magic that is Black people. The museum is 7 floors so be sure you wear your walking shoes and dedicate an entire day to seeing all of the exhibits. We can’t wait to go back and visit ourselves!

All Posts, Dear Diary

Black History Our History

February 1, 2016 Leave a Comment

Today is February 1st, 2016, which means it is officially the first day of Black History Month. As a Black woman who has gone through life being taught to celebrate every aspect of what makes me different from everyone else, it’s a month long celebration I both enjoy and will always believe is much needed. If you’ve been paying attention to anything regarding the media in the last year or so, you have without a doubt seen much talk about race, and specifically what it means to be Black in this country. We don’t even need to go in detail of how critical this years presidential race has been in proving racism being an issue. As nasty as some people can be hiding behind their keyboards, talking about race and what makes us different, and causes us to lead different lifestyles, with different opportunities, is a LONG overdue discussion. There will always be people who immediately go on the defense when discussing racism. Then there are those who have expanded their minds enough to want to talk about it, and learn as much as they can to make the people around them feel comfortable.

However, to those of you who get uncomfortable when talking about anything racially related, I challenge you to learn how to be comfortable talking about race starting this month. You would be amazed how enlightening it will be for you and your friends when you sit down and have intelligent but passionate conversation about uncomfortable topics. The biggest lesson I hope all non-people of color (and people of color) take from Black History Month this year is the understanding that celebration does not equal exclusion. I have plenty of friends, who are not Black, who enjoy and celebrate Black culture the same way they celebrate their culture(s). You don’t have to be Black, or a person of color, to pick up a book or research: Black activists, actors/actresses, doctors, inventors, musicians, politicians, teachers etc. and learn what contributions they made to this country that directly effect you every single day. Your eyes will also be opened to learning there are more to Black people, and we have contributed so much more than slavery, and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. to America as our history books have taught us since elementary school.

My challenge to people of color this Black History Month is to take the time to teach your children about the thousands of amazing Black people who have done amazing things in this country. We can no longer use the excuse of school not teaching our children when the information plus more is available at our finger tips to teach them ourselves. As parents and guardians, we are our children’s first teachers, and we should be teaching them to celebrate and understand the bravery and sacrifice those before us endured to get us where we are, today. Have your children read a book, or go to a museum, to teach them about people such as Marcus Garvey, Malcolm X, and W.E.B. Du Bois. How else will the children learn about their history if we don’t teach them what isn’t taught at school? Which is almost everything about Black History -_-.

To those of you who know me, you know I am a person who has family members and friends every shade of the rainbow. I love the people in my life, and to love them I celebrate the important aspects of their lives which makes them who they are. I expect the same in return, and one of the largest parts of being, Brienne Jamieson, is being a Black woman. Don’t tell me you’re “colorblind” or “you don’t see race“, because you are denying a large part of ME. If you move to, or visit, another country you want people to know you’re an American, right? Or on the flip side, if someone from another country moves to America we don’t expect them to reject their heritage, and all of a sudden call them selves an American do we? No. So think about these examples next time you tell someone you’re colorblind. Don’t let my Blackness, or anyone else’s Blackness, make you uncomfortable. Instead, see us for who we are and join in the beauty, celebration, and struggle, of being close to someone who loves her heritage. In turn we get to celebrate one another through our differences and similarities year round.

Happy Black History Month everybody.

Always remember Black History is Our History.

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Brie <3

[02.01.16]

 

 

 

All Posts, Dear Diary

Happy Veterans Day

November 11, 2015 Leave a Comment

I made the mistake of watching the video posted below before typing this post, so sorry in advance for any misspelled words and incoherent sentences while attempting to type through my tears. Today is the day we are grateful and thankful to all of the brave men and women who have served and continue to serve our country. I personally know many people who have served and continue to serve the United States of America. Out of all of them, my favorite military man in the whole wide world is my selfless husband, Kris. He serves in the United States Air Force and I couldn’t be more proud of him if I tried.

In addition to my husband I am thankful for all of our military family and friends and want to wish all of you a very special Happy Veterans Day as well. There are way too many of you to name, but you know who you are, and if you didn’t already know, you now know how much I appreciate and love you all.

This is my favorite military surprise homecoming video and I share it every year on my Facebook page. This year I’m sharing it on the blog so more people can see it and cry with me 😉

Thank you again Veterans! You are very appreciated!

Brie <3

[11.11.15]

All Posts, Family Love

Happy Birthday, Ryan!

October 14, 2015 Comments : 2

I’ve grown up with my little cousins being more like my brothers and sisters, than cousins. Today is my little cousin, Ryan’s, 17th birthday. He has always been such a happy and joyful soul to be around since he was born. I mean, he used to give himself a big bear hug as he laughed hysterically when he was little. So when I say he was always a happy kid, I mean it. Lol. Oh, and did I mention how goofy he is? I’m pretty sure goofy is his middle name.

He is a such a great example of a young person who loves the Lord and isn’t afraid to show it. He also loves Jordyn more than most could imagine a cousin would. I remember when I first bought her home to introduce to the family, and we all went to church that Sunday. People kept coming up to me asking “where is Jordyn?” to which I would respond “find Ryan and you’ll find Jordyn.” LOL. And sure enough, each time, he was usually in the middle of a group of people showing her off to everyone. He wasn’t too happy about having to share her with everyone else though haha.

Ryan, I hope you have a wonderful 17th birthday. I pray God blesses you to see many, many more, and I’m thankful I get to call such a silly and sweet soul my little cousin.

Happy birthday, Ry! We love you!

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Brie <3

[10.14.15]

All Posts, Dear Diary

A Huge Birthday Thank You

September 28, 2015 Leave a Comment

Yesterday was my 27th golden birthday. Not only have I been blessed to see another year, but I had such an amazing day of being spoiled by my husband and baby girl. I received a massage, brunch in bed, a family walk, alone time to blog, and a delicious shrimp scampi alfredo made by my chef-boyardee husband. Here’s a picture of my oh so yummy breakfast plate 🙂

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In addition to all of this spoiling; my Mom sent me my annual beautiful birthday flowers, I shared food and laughter with my Montana friends on Saturday evening, many loved ones posted special pictures/messages on social media for me, and I received so many text messages, phone calls, face time calls, and social media birthday wishes filled with nothing but love and happiness. Receiving love for my birthday on these platforms isn’t anything new, but as each year passes I learn to appreciate and be so thankful for those of you who take the time out of your day to send so much love my way. We grow up to learn exactly how precious time is in our lives, and for people to chose to spend their time on me means the world.

Twenty-six was a beautiful year filled with more ups than downs, and I can only imagine what golden year twenty-seven has in store for me. In the mean time, I pray and speak into existence this year brings blessings, grace, joy, love, prosperity, and wisdom. Not only for me, but for my loved ones as well.

Thank you again for all of the birthday love. You are all amazing and I love you all!

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Brie <3

[09.28.15]

All Posts, Dear Diary, Music Favorites

“Happy Birthday”

August 11, 2015 Leave a Comment

Today is August 11th, which means it’s my Uncle Michael’s birthday. My Uncle Michael has been one of my father’s my entire life and I don’t know where I would be without him and all of his unconditional love. I wish I was there to celebrate with him and go get some good food from Claire’s Korner! In honor of his birthday, and Stevie Wonder being the greatest artist in the world, I will share the classic Stevie Wonder “Happy Birthday” song with all of you.

Happy birthday, Uncle Michael! We love you so much and pray God blesses you to see many many more!

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P.S.- we need to take more picture together. I had to go back to the wedding for a picture of us 🙂

Brie <3

[08.11.15]

All Posts, Dear Diary, Family Love

Happy Mother’s Day!

May 10, 2015 Leave a Comment

Today, is my first official Mother’s Day, and what a beautiful day it is! I often look at my baby girl and can’t believe God blessed me enough to choose me to be her Mommy. When I hold her, play with her, hear her laugh, talk, cry, or peacefully sleep, I am in awe of how much love and joy she brings to my life. I couldn’t imagine life without her, and I wear the badge “Mommy” proudly.

However, I want this post to celebrate my own Mother, Grandmother and Great-Grandmother. It was not until I became a Mother that I truly began to understand the love and sacrifices they have made over the years. My Grandmother was only 20 years old when she had her first child, and my Mother was 21 years old when she had me. I had Jordyn at the age of 25 and even then I freaked out, refusing to believe I was pregnant, until the first ultrasound. Their lives changed years before mine did, and yet, they were able to be amazing women. Every parent, no matter who they are, has their flaws, but growing up is what teaches us our flaws teach us self-improvement. Both my Mother and Grandmother spent most years of their children’s lives being single Mothers. Having a child of my own, and a supportive husband, I couldn’t imagine doing it without him. In their cases, family stepped up, and became the village it took to raise all of us, and I couldn’t be more grateful.

To my Mother: thank you for teaching me independence. Thank you for teaching me the importance of being strong and outspoken. Thank you for teaching me I don’t have to compromise who I am or what I believe for anyone or anything. Thank you for shielding me from harmful ways and people even when I didn’t see it myself. Thank you for working hard to take care of us and provide us with everything we need and want. Thank you for being tough on me. Thank you for expecting greatness from me. Thank you for loving me unconditionally. Thank you for always being there when I need you. Thank you for being my best friend. Thank you for being MY Mommy and Jordyn’s Grandma.

To my Grandmother: thank you for being the definition of selfless. Thank you for being the epitome of class and elegance. Thank you for teaching me the importance of education. Thank you for teaching me the importance of forgiveness. Thank you for teaching me how to be a lady. Thank you for showing me the definition of an angel on Earth. Thank you for teaching me family always comes first. Thank you for being the backbone of our family. Thank you for being my safe haven. Thank you for always being full of life and love. Thank you for making everyone around you smile. Thank you for allowing me to be a “Grandma’s girl.” Thank for having a heart of gold. Thank you for always being there for me. Thank you for always being a shoulder to lean on. Thank you for being the world’s greatest Grandma. Thank you for being MY Grandma and Jordyn’s GG.

To my Great-Grandmother: Thank you for your big hugs and sweet kisses. Thank you for loving your “Brie-Brie” unconditionally. Thank you for your contagious and loving feisty-ness and happiness. Thank you for loving your family unconditionally. Thank you for having thirteen children and creating a huge, crazy, loving, strong-willed, and tightly knit family. Thank you for being the foundation of our extended family. Thank you for always remembering me in the midst of such a large family. Thank you for being MY Great Grandma and Jordyn’s Great-Great Grandma.

Today, I am thankful for all three of you lovely women. I am thankful God has blessed me and my family to have five generations walking this Earth, on this Mother’s Day. I am honored to join you ladies as a Mother on this lovely day, and couldn’t have asked for better women to look up to.

Happy Mother’s Day to all of the beautiful, giving, and selfless Mothers in my family and all around the world!

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Brie <3

[05.10.15]

All Posts, Dear Diary, Family Love

Happy 19th Birthday, Taylor!

March 30, 2015 Leave a Comment

My sister, Taylor, turns 19 years old, today. Sometimes I still can’t believe she’s old enough to walk and talk on her own, let alone old enough to be in college. There is something extremely special about being a big sister. You get to watch your younger siblings grow from little helpless babies to strong independent adults. Tay is currently in her freshman year of college, working part-time, and finding time to spoil her niece in between :-). This won’t be a long blog post, but I just wanted to be sure to wish you a very happy and blessed 19th birthday. I hope you get spoiled rotten, today, and don’t take for granted being able to see another year. Jordyn and I look forward to seeing and spending time with you in June. We love you SO much! Happy birthday again! <3

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About Me

ABOUT BRIE:

Hey there! My name is Brie Jamieson. I've been a lifestyle + mom blogger since 2014. I'm Kris' wife. I'm Jordyn and Riley's Mom. And I'm Apollo and Chronos' fur-mama. We're a military family currently living in the burbs of Shreveport, LA. I'm a simple lady who loves God, family, food, and travel. If you'd like to learn more about me head on over to the "my story" page. But more importantly: Welcome to Jamieson Diaries!

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