Courage As an Act of Resistance
On Courage
"Courage is the most important of all the virtues because without courage, you can't practice any other virtue consistently."
- Maya Angelou
Courage, in its truest form, is an act of resistance—a resistance against fear, against apathy, and against injustice. When we think about resisting fear, it extends far beyond overcoming our personal anxieties or phobias to challenging the broader fears that may limit societal advancement. Courage in this sense is about pushing boundaries, challenging the status quo, and daring to not only imagine, but also co-create a diverse, more equitable world.
Resisting apathy is perhaps one of the most critical aspects of courage. In a world overcome with injustices, it's quite easy, and to some degree natural, to become desensitized or to feel that the issues at hand are far too enormous for any individual's efforts to have a significant impact. However, true courage not only demands empathy, but necessitates action, which I believe is equally as important. Resisting apathy empowers us to genuinely care about the collective struggles we face as a society, as well as the individual struggles of others, regardless of race, religion, socioeconomic status, sexual orientation, or any other identifying factors. We acknowledge our shared humanity across these diverse spectrums and understand that indifference to any group's challenges is essentially an inferred endorsement of the status quo. Courage in this sense is about understanding that our actions, no matter how small, contribute to a larger narrative of hope and resilience. It is about recognizing that emotional well-being is not just a personal matter, but a societal one, and that we are all interconnected in this intricate web called the human experience.
“Courage in the face of injustice means taking a firm stand and actively confronting wrongdoings, when witnessed, regardless of scale—speaking on behalf of those who have been silenced, advocating for those who have been marginalized, and fighting for fairness and equity in all aspects of society.”
In essence, this expanded view of courage as an act of resistance is a call to action. It urges us not to be mere spectators in the face of fear, apathy, and injustice, but to be active participants in creating a world where these forces have no hold. We each have an opportunity to embody the change we wish to see, while inspiring others to join in that transformation. Exhibiting this degree of courage leaves a lasting impact and lays the foundation for a brighter, more hopeful future.
As I reflect on the lives of those who have embodied the true spirit of bravery and resilience, it's particularly timely and essential to acknowledge Dr. Antoinette “Bonnie” Candia-Bailey, whose untimely passing, just a week ago, was a shining example of courage. Dr. Candia-Bailey's efforts, particularly in fostering environments where her students felt supported and could excel academically and thrive mentally and emotionally, was not just a professional endeavor, but a courageous act of resistance against a world often indifferent toward our internal struggles—a challenge especially pronounced for Black women as we are often dismissed and forced to continually affirm our value.
Today, as we commemorate what would have been Dr. Martin Luther King Jr's 95th birthday, let's draw inspiration from his remarkable example. Dr. King famously said, “The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.” This powerful quote captures the true nature of courage as a form of resistance. Dr. King's life, marked by his tireless struggle for justice and equality, teaches us that courage is not in the absence of fear, but in the resolve to act in spite of it.
“In honoring the memory of Dr. Candia-Bailey and reflecting on the words of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., consider how can we, in our daily lives, practice courage as an act of resistance? And how can we contribute to creating a world where emotional safety and well-being are not just ideals, but realities for all?”
This edition of Cliffs without Borders is dedicated to Dr. Antoinette “Bonnie” Candia-Bailey. I cannot express the deep pain that I felt when I learned of her tragic death just a few short days ago. When I reflect on her plight, I often find myself taking several deep, cleansing breaths. The details of this tragic story are overwhelming, stirring intense emotions due to the systemic workplace challenges she faced, and, above all, is deeply saddening.
My deepest condolences are extended to her family. May Dr. Candia-Bailey’s legacy not be in vain or defined by the circumstances of her passing, but by the change that results in response to this awful tragedy.