I Win, “Aye Yo Kells” Finds The Strength to Become A Conquerer
The strong Black woman mantra is an anecdote that’s been passed down for generations. The origins of this phrase were supposed to inspire and uplift. However, it’s had adverse reactions because Black women aren’t being cared for or taken care of properly. Malcolm X stated that the Black woman is the least protected and disrespected. Blacks represent 13.4% of the population that’s about 46 million people. With 22% stating that they suffer from mental health in some capacity.
Despite these scary statistics mental illness can be treated, and people go on to live productively. Kelly “Ayo Kells” Jamison exemplifies bouncing back with grace. Jamison has experienced homelessness, domestic abuse, and depression. These occurrences were a domino effect because of her loved ones' actions. She found out that she was adopted in her teens, and it was by the grace of God.
Jamison was adopted by a great family; however, it was painfully obvious why her mother put her up for adoption. To no fault of her own, her birth mother hadn’t resolved certain issues. The conflict between the two led her to hook up with someone who had ill intentions. Jamison found herself in a situation that she would’ve never dreamt of in a million years. An abusive boyfriend who berated her at any given minute. This was a traumatizing and humbling experience for her. Jamison knew that this wasn’t healthy by any means. Her earlier experiences illustrated healthy interactions between the opposite sex.
These are issues that aren’t foreign to our community. We all know an aunt, sister, cousin, relative, or friend who’s suffered from one of the three in some capacity.
Too many times we shout at the top of our lungs that what goes on in our house stays in our house. This is toxic behavior that must be unlearned so the next generation of brown girls behind us are equipped with better coping mechanisms. Even though Jamison had the wherewithal to persevere, what about the chocolate girls who couldn’t?
When we feel despair it’s because it’s nothing to look forward to. Or the feeling of emptiness and loneliness that normally push people over the edge. That’s why it’s imperative to be transparent. Jamison could’ve kept her struggles to herself. Instead, she chose to inspire and uplift her fellow sister to show that anything is possible. If you want it bad enough, the most important thing is choosing yourself.
October 10 is World Mental Health Awareness Day, it’s ironic that this day is in tandem with Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Jamison’s story is about overcoming the odds when everything is against you. For many women of color, it’s hard to reach out to family or friends which is ok but there are other avenues I implore you to use in regard to seeking help.
Check your health insurance to see what options you have regarding mental health. Some therapists take insurance, and some are cash only. Others do a reimbursement process where you pay upfront and get your money from the insurance company. Therapy for black girls is another source to use as well. For DV victims there are abuse shelters that you can stay at if you need to start over. For my area, the local shelter is called The Spring, and to find a shelter near you call The Hotline. These two resources alone are a great source to start.
To keep up Kelly “Aye Yo Kells” Jamison follow her on all platforms or check out her website thejamisonagency.com. She’s become a millionaire publicist to the stars, helping everyone elevate their brands!