Interconnectedness and Growth

Interconnectedness and Growth

When I was misusing alcohol, I knew little about interconnectedness. However, I gained invaluable knowledge when admitted to Homewood for alcoholism, about how my history of trauma and being told to be silent as a child and not being allowed to be heard led to my alcohol misuse. My trauma began with repeated messages from my parents in my small rural community in Trinidad. "You are stupid; you will not succeed in life; just stick to your own type."

Since my recovery, I have tried to be the best version of myself, taking chances and connecting with others. Before seeking treatment, I was too frightened even to say, "Hello, and how are you?" to start a conversation. I always felt feet unworthy when speaking with another human being. 

After learning about the interconnectedness of my illiteracy, race, sex, and trauma, I took a chance and returned to university in my 40s. I wrote my first of three books in my sixties and now am a regular public speaker. 

I learned to value myself, who I am and how I look. I learned to be the first to reach out to others. I learned to connect with neighbours who do not look, dress, speak, or dine like me. 

I knew I could learn much more by attending community events like the Festival of Lights, Pow Wow, and Caribbean Festivals.

Another way of connecting with others is by speaking openly with children, youths, and senior citizens and by allowing them to ask any questions about my blackness that a Black Woman can answer honestly.

Such interaction is documented in our book, White Questions. Black Answers...