Now I determine my title

Empowering Mental Health Through Poetry and Advocacy

By Seedel

(Jakob Owens / Unsplash)

Who are you, who have you become? This thought dances through the in’s and out's of my brain. As I stare into the mirror, I see a person who has been pulled and twisted. My inner child interjects “Let me out, I don’t know who you are ” she says. As I’m looking into the mirror, I can’t recognize myself. 

Something in me clicks. I need to find myself. Everything that I am, and I do, is a parody of accumulated opinions and trends. 

Being a black girl is fun. The glow from the sun, the harmonized laughter. Not thinking of anything and thinking of everything. My thumb cramps as I scroll, spending time on the capital of trends. As it has deteriorated the progress of me truly being myself. It has clouded my beautiful brain, a brain that searches for answers, and is collectively leaving me desolate as a black girl and a person of color. It is a thief of joy. My brain continues to get spurts of “dopamine rushes'' until I see someone who I can identify with. I have stepped into the knowing, that we are like flowers, but one by one our petals get picked apart until our entirety becomes blank, becomes empty. Except we do something! 

Being caged to this mentality is easier than breaking from it. I am no supergirl. I am only a human person, but this thought continues to get overshadowed by outside words that title me as “a strong black female”. It is draining, it is exhausting. I feel under duress to conquer things that others can’t. This leaves me in a loop of an unending identity crisis. 

Revival can come from words, they have weight. All I need is within me right now, “a troth I repeat” and have gradually embroidered into my mind. Through this, the thoughts that once swam in my head, swallowing all other convictions and pushing itself to the forefront have all been washed away. I have been inspired. My heights are gracefully chosen by me. It is me demanding the world to grant me the baton. I will now determine my title.

—

In the realm of deep rooted storytelling and soulful melodies, meet Seedel Chris-Emenike, a 19-year-old poet and guitarist from the vibrant streets of New York City. Her artistry weaves together words and music to illuminate the human experience, offering solace and understanding in the face of mental health challenges. 

From a young age, Seedel demonstrates an innate love for storytelling, recognizing its power to connect and inspire. Fuelled by her passion, she discovered her gift for crafting narratives that resonate with the soul and mind. Driven by her love for poetry and music, she embarked on a mission to uplift voices often overlooked, sharing stories of resilience and self-empowerment. 

Seedel’s remarkable journey has seen her collaborate with esteemed endorsement by luminaries like Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio Cortez (AOC) for her poem, "Now I Determine My Title," celebrating resilience and self-empowerment. The endorsement from Former First Lady Michelle Obama for Seedel's poem “The High Lighter,” inspired by her book "The Light We Carry," speaks volumes about Seedel's ability to touch hearts and minds with her words of hope and inspiration. 

Seedel's advocacy extends beyond her verses, including her representation in causes like the United States Census campaign, demonstrating how civic engagement and representation are vital for mental health advocacy. Collaborations with influential figures like Michael B. Jordan on youth resilience campaigns showcase her commitment to lifting others up. Through collaborations with organizations like the Salvation Army and Girl Up, United Nations Foundation, Seedel amplifies the voices of women and ignites positive change, shedding light on the interconnectedness of mental health and gender equity with her poem “Woman of the Hour.” Seedel spreads messages of kindness and empowerment, emphasizing the importance of mental health awareness and support. She aspires to create safe spaces for individuals to share their mental health journeys through the power of poetry, leaning on the transformative power of storytelling in fostering empathy and understanding. 

Seedel’s dedication to advocacy work shines through her artistry, continuing to shine a light on mental health awareness. She remains a beacon of hope and inspiration. Her journey is a symphony of resilience, an ode to authenticity, and a testament to the transformative power of storytelling.