One day while walking through a local bookstore, I noticed something that immediately brought a wave of emotions over me. I remember trying to recall all the books I read when I was a little girl that came close to what I was staring at, but the only books jogging my memory at the time were “The Baby-Sitters Club” series and “Charlotte's Web.” I remember feeling disappointed yet excited – although I didn't have what my kids will now have, I was excited for them to experience this revolutionary time in literature that would hopefully spark a passion for reading and boost their self-esteem.

In February, Herd Strategies celebrates Black History Month by amplifying Black artists, poets and musicians. We seek to highlight creatives who are voices of the Black community today and share the stories of Black artists in history whose work paved the way for future generations. One person who fully recognizes the impact of Black artists who have come before her is Dana Powell-Smith, an Indianapolis-based abstract artist who honors her family and lineage through her work.

For many things in life, you need to have faith. Put your trust in the bigger picture, in God, in the universe – whatever it is you believe in – so that you can live without being shrouded by fear. But as human beings with complex emotions, sometimes you need more than faith to make something seem feasible. Sometimes, seeing is believing.