As we recognize the 24th day of Black History Month, we reflect on the power of storytelling and the seeds it plants for future generations.
History has taught us that what we see, what we hear, and what we believe about ourselves shapes our destiny. Black voices have not always been amplified, yet they have carried stories of faith, resilience, and triumph—stories that have changed the world.
Just as a farmer plants seeds, those who write, speak, and document history are planting seeds that will grow into strong identities, empowered minds, and inspired futures.
Habakkuk 2:2 (NKJV)
"Write the vision and make it plain on tablets, that he may run who reads it."
When we tell our stories, we are sowing seeds of truth, confidence, and faith. The question is: Are we planting enough seeds to make sure Black stories continue to flourish?
Why Representation is a Seed that Grows
Every child learns about the world by what they see, hear, and are taught. When they see leaders, inventors, artists, and change-makers who look like them, it expands their vision of what’s possible.
📖 Proverbs 18:21 (NKJV)"Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit."
The stories we tell about ourselves shape the harvest we will see.
Without representation:
❌ A child may struggle to see themselves as a leader.
❌ A culture may forget the contributions of its ancestors.
❌ A history may become distorted, incomplete, or erased.
With strong representation:
✅ A child sees themselves as limitless.
✅ A culture is reminded of its power and impact.
✅ A history is preserved and passed down with truth and pride.
Sowing the Seeds of Black Storytelling in History
1. Oral Tradition – The First Seeds of Representation
Before books and media, Black history was preserved through oral tradition—faith, storytelling, and song.
Negro spirituals were messages of hope and hidden directions for escape.
African griots (storytellers) carried histories across generations.
Black preachers used sermons to instill faith through the struggles of slavery and segregation.
📖 Romans 10:17 (NKJV)"So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God."
The seeds they planted in faith have continued to grow—even in adversity.
2. Black Writers Who Planted the Seeds of Change
These authors used their voices to shift history:
Frederick Douglass wrote his autobiography to prove that Black men were educated and capable of leadership.
Harriet Jacobs’ Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl gave insight into the unique struggles of enslaved Black women.
James Baldwin, Maya Angelou, and Langston Hughes used their words to empower Black identity.
📖 Isaiah 61:1 (NKJV)"The Spirit of the Lord God is upon Me, because the Lord has anointed Me to preach good tidings to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives."
Their words were seeds of liberation, breaking chains one truth at a time.
3. Black Representation in Media – Changing the Narrative
The media tells stories that shape how people view the world.
Sidney Poitier broke barriers in Hollywood, proving Black men could be leading actors.
The Cosby Show and A Different World showcased educated, successful Black families.
Black Panther (2018) gave the world an African superhero nation that inspired global Black pride.
📖 Matthew 5:14 (NKJV)"You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden."
When Black stories are told authentically, they shine a light on truth, excellence, and possibility.
How Do We Continue Sowing Seeds of Representation?
Representation doesn’t just happen—we must plant, water, and nurture it.
1. Teach Black History Year-Round
Introduce books, movies, and documentaries about Black history into daily learning.
Encourage children to learn about and celebrate their culture.
📖 Hosea 4:6 (NKJV)"My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge."
If we don’t sow knowledge, we risk losing our history.
2. Support Black Authors, Filmmakers, and Creators
Buy and promote books by Black authors.
Watch and discuss films that tell authentic Black stories.
Encourage young Black creatives to write, direct, and produce.
📖 Habakkuk 2:3 (NKJV)"For the vision is yet for an appointed time; But at the end it will speak, and it will not lie."
Every book, movie, and speech is a seed for the future.
3. Be the Representation You Want to See
If you’re an educator, teach real history.
If you’re a leader, mentor young Black minds.
If you’re an artist, create stories that inspire.
📖 2 Corinthians 3:2 (NKJV)"You are our epistle written in our hearts, known and read by all men."
We are the living books that future generations will read through our actions.
Challenge for the Week
Take an intentional step to support Black storytelling and representation:
✅ Buy and read a book by a Black author and share what you learned.
✅ Watch a documentary or film that highlights Black history and discuss it.
✅ Encourage a young Black person to embrace their story and identity.
✅ Use your voice to educate, celebrate, and inspire.
Every story told is a seed planted—and the harvest will bless future generations.
Call to Action
Black stories matter. Our voices matter. Our history matters.
When you purchase S.O.L.A.D.™: Soldiers of Light Against Darkness™, you are supporting a Black author who is telling stories of Black characters working alongside people of all races, backgrounds, and cultures to make the world a better place.
Visit www.tyronetonyreedjr.com/the-shop to grab your autographed copy and be part of a movement that uplifts, inspires, and empowers!
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