In the final episode of Living in 3D Power's Black History Month celebration, Emma and I explore bravery—what it means, why it matters, and how we can embody it in a world that often challenges our courage.

Together, Emma and I reflect on:

• What it truly means to be brave—beyond physical acts, bravery is about standing firm in your truth, even when it’s hard.

• The power of community, authenticity, and intergenerational knowledge sharing—and why culturally responsive education is essential in confronting the uncomfortable truths about racism and history.

• How Paula Young Shelton marched for justice as a child, showing that bravery has no age limit.

• How Shirley Chisholm’s “Unbought and Unbossed” legacy reminds us to create our own paths and resist systems that try to limit us.

• How Nikole Hannah-Jones’ creation of The 1619 Project teaches us that telling the truth about history is an act of courage, even when people try to silence it.

Emma offers fresh perspectives on what bravery looks like in everyday life, from standing up for what’s right to challenging narratives that erase Black history. As we close out this special series, we challenge listeners to embody bravery in action—whether by speaking up, standing firm in truth, or creating spaces for learning and growth. She shares her thoughts on how young people can embrace courage, use their voices for change, and foster a sense of justice that extends beyond themselves to uplift their entire community.

Chapters:

01:44 – Current Climate and Values Alignment

03:42 – Who Gives You Permission?

06:15 – Generational Perspectives on Racism

13:38 – Emma's Insights on Bravery

15:49 – Paula Young Shelton's Story

23:14 – Shirley Chisholm: Unbought and Unbossed

26:20 – Nikole Hannah-Jones and the 1619 Project

33:35 – Cultural Responsiveness in Schools

43:28 – Embracing Authenticity

47:31 – The Power of Truth Telling

55:57 – Final Reflections and Call to Action

Curiosity Card Prompts for Reflection:

• What does bravery mean to you in the context of history and justice?

• Would you have been brave enough to march for justice as a kid like Paula Young Shelton? Why or why not?

• What does it mean to be Unbought and Unbossed in your own life?

• Why do some people resist talking about racism and Black history? How can we challenge this?

• How can we ensure that future generations receive a more honest and inclusive education?

References

• Children of the Civil Rights Movement by Paula Young Shelton; Illustrated by Raul Colón

• Shirley on Netflix

• The 1619 Project: A New Origin Story, Created by Nikole Hannah-Jones; Edited by Jake Silverstein, The New York Times Magazine, Caitlin Roper, et al.

• The 1619 Project: Born on the Water by Nikole Hannah-Jones and Renée Watson; Illustrated by Nikkolas Smith

• The 1619 Project: TA Visual Experience by Nikole Hannah-Jones and The New York Times Magazine

• Pod-mapping: An Exercise In Mapping Care

• America has a Loneliness Epidemic. Here are 6 Steps to Address It

Connect with Me

• Substack: Living in 3D Power

• Instagram: @natural_inclination

• Youtube: @naturalinclination

• LinkedIn: Dr. Amber M. Sessoms, NCSP

• Bluesky: @ambersessoms.bsky.social

• Facebook: Natural Inclination

• TikTok: @naturalinclination

Like, Comment, Share, Engage

If this episode resonated with you, share it with someone who would love these conversations. Engage with the Curiosity Cards and ask the youth in your life about their experiences—you might be surprised by what you learn. Share your thoughts and reflections in the comments or on social media using #LivingIn3DPower. And, don’t forget to subscribe and stay tuned for next week’s conversation!