You Nuh Live No Weh?

Happy Sunday and Happy Black History Month 2025! If you checked out last week’s blog and posts on instagram (@therapywithmo) you know this month’s content will be about love and culture. To kick off the month, today’s blog will be more about reflecting on culture and some personal reflection. Subscribe to never miss another blog update!

"You nuh live no weh!" and “You nuh live no weh?” Two phrases heard very often growing up Jamaican when you stayed outside too long and too late. One a statement and the other a question. You are not really supposed to answer, it was more of the beginning of a scolding and an indicator that it was time to go home. If you grew up hearing this, I know you can relate.

It is the start of February, a month that is often filled with grief and expectancy. We reflect on the past of Black and BIPOC people and the harsh and brutal conditions that our ancestors endured. We celebrate their sacrifices, we celebrate stellar examples of Black contributors to our community, we put on plays or attend them, we hear the Black History Month spotlight at schools and churches, and then we move on. We hope for change, equality, equal acknowledgment and recognition, elevation of our people, and the biggest hope of ending racism and discrimination for good. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., is often quoted that “may we live in a world where we are judged not by the color of our skin but by the content of our character.” The songs of hope are the same every year. And every year, we highlight the same concerns in our world for being perceived and treated differently.

This year, only 33 days in, has a very different tone- a very different flavor. The start of Black History Month did not have the same recognition and enthusiasm it normally does. This is attributed to the world’s current events and the sociopolitical climate in the United States. My career and calling as a social worker is not just about doing therapy to help people. We must also speak on the things people want to wish away, bring it to the surface, and talk about what makes it difficult to talk about it. Social justice is apart of the call.

I thought about what to write to kick off this month, and “you nuh live no weh” kept coming to mind. The not-so-gentle push of under-recognizing February as Black History Month by private and public organizations is strategic. There will not be a space for us, to celebrate, discuss, acknowledge the Black and BIPOC community needs and struggles. It is a way of pushing out, devaluing, and deprioritizing. I remember being told this phrase as a younger person when I stayed out late. But it’s not just about geography, where you live or where you are; it’s about belonging. It is the sense of being in a space but not truly existing in it, feeling disconnected or displaced—even when surrounded by people. This saying holds a mirror to the experience of psychological homelessness—a term that describes the feeling of being without a sense of identity, belonging, or emotional stability. It is a profound emotional isolation, something many Black people experience as a result of systemic racism. But it is also deeply tied to the devaluation of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives, which are supposed to make the spaces we occupy feel more inclusive, equitable, and supportive.

Racism: The Root of Psychological Homelessness

Racism is not just about overt acts of discrimination; it is about the insidious, subtle ways in which people are made to feel like they don’t belong in the places they inhabit. It is 2025 and depending on where you are, racist and discriminatory acts by perpetrators wear different masks. The chances of someone doing something blatant, calling me the “N-word” or another slur are unlikely. But they may employ different tactics. The sophistication of racism has made it “hard to prove” when reported because we Black people are often told we are overly sensitive or misinterpreting events. This is dangerous gaslighting. Whether it is in the workplace, at school, or in social circles, the message often sent to Black people is: “You don’t belong here.” This feeling of alienation creates a form of psychological homelessness. It is the sense that, no matter how hard you try to integrate, the system is not built for you to truly thrive. It is exhausting to constantly navigate environments where your identity, your culture, and your humanity are questioned or minimized. It is like being physically present, but emotionally or psychologically shut out. You may "live" there, but do you really “belong” there?

Black History Month: A Time to Reflect, Not Just Remember

As we observe Black History Month, we are often asked to reflect on the achievements and contributions of Black people throughout history. Yet, how much of that history is really honored throughout the year? How often are Black stories heard, and Black lives uplifted, when February ends? Black History Month can sometimes feel like a fleeting token—a momentary acknowledgment that fades as soon as the calendar turns. This devaluation of Black history contributes to the feeling of psychological homelessness. If you’re made to feel that your history and contributions are only celebrated for 28 days out of the year, how can you feel truly valued in a society that doesn’t seem to prioritize your presence?

The Devaluation of DEI Initiatives Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives were created to foster environments where people of all backgrounds can feel seen, heard, and hopefully respected. But when these initiatives are poorly implemented, underfunded, or actively undermined, they fail to create the inclusive spaces they promise. In many cases, the very systems meant to support marginalized communities instead perpetuate the feeling that they don’t belong. In workplaces, schools, and other organizations, a half-hearted commitment to DEI often leaves people of color feeling as though their identities and experiences are disposable. This lack of real, meaningful inclusion leads to what some might call “psychological homelessness”—a deep, internalized sense that no matter where you go, you are still not welcomed. When DEI efforts are treated as a checkbox rather than a priority, it leaves a gap—a space that is supposed to feel welcoming but instead feels cold and uninviting. And in that space, marginalized groups—particularly Black people—are left to navigate the world, often without the support they need to thrive or even survive.

The Impact of Psychological Homelessness

The emotional toll of psychological homelessness is real. It is the anxiety, the fatigue, and the frustration of constantly fighting for recognition. It can feel like walking into a room full of people but still feeling invisible. The weight of feeling like you don’t belong can lead to isolation, burnout, and, in some cases, a crisis of identity. It is not just about what people do to you—sometimes it’s about what systems fail to do for you. When racism and the devaluation of DEI initiatives create spaces where your humanity is questioned, it is no wonder that many Black individuals experience feelings of disconnection. The very structures that should provide a sense of stability and community instead reinforce the idea that you are living nowhere at all.

Reclaiming Home

The journey toward feeling “at home” or at ease in a world that often feels hostile is not easy. But it starts with recognizing the deep emotional impact of being made to feel like you don’t belong. It requires all of us—Black, Indigenous, people of color (BIPOC) and allies who are ready to do the work and put their privilege and social capital on the line—to demand more than symbolic gestures and surface-level inclusion. We must hold institutions and organizations accountable for making DEI a priority, not just a buzzword. True inclusion means more than just checking boxes. It’s about creating spaces where everyone, regardless of race, feels secure, valued, and empowered. We also must remember that Black history is not confined to one month, and that the contributions and struggles of Black people should be woven into the fabric of society year-round. By honoring and acknowledging the fullness of Black history and culture, we begin to create spaces where Black people can not only exist but thrive. The road to psychological homecoming is long, but it begins with the recognition that we all deserve a place where we truly belong—where we are seen, respected, and valued, not just in fleeting moments, but every day without retaliation from others including administrators, authority figures, systems, and organizations at large.

“You nuh live no weh!” does not have to be the final word. And we should not settle for it. With collective effort and commitment, we can make sure everyone has a place to call home.

Thank you for reading today’s blog. Happy Black History Month.

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