Feel

Touch

Does it do any good to reach, but then not make contact with your intended target the object of what or who you are reaching for? The answer is no. In communities of color, one of the things that is most critically needed, is the personal touch of those who have achieved levels of success far beyond their own. Science helps us understand that from a developmental standpoint, infants cannot survive without the human touch. It is a fact. Infants are fragile and vulnerable but can thrive when they are handled with care by those with the warm hands of love and kindness. And just like with an infant, when it comes to racial equity, those who are the most fragile and vulnerable among us, are the ones who are at risk of being left out of a myriad of opportunities that could help them to stabilize their income, savings, future, and overall asset holdings for generations to come.

According to research shared by Psychology Today, humans “have developed complex languages, cultures, and emotional expression through physical contact, be it warm handshake, a sympathetic hug, or a congratulatory pat on the back. Our skin is our largest organ and very responsive. The warmth of something as simple as holding someone’s hand is translated through our physiology as “I care.” Unfortunately, one’s skin color could prevent them from feeling the touch of another caring human being who could be the bridge to their healing. And as much as the human touch possesses the power to do good, the absence of that same touch can lead to many issues and problems that can haunt a person all the way to their grave. For those who struggle with mental illness, anxiety, clinical depression, bi-polar disorders, autism, and other dis-eases, it is amazing how much the non-verbal act of a human touch can connect with a person’s subconscious in ways that words cannot. Government policies are written on pages and pages of paper, stacked on the desks of politicians, and never are the real vehicle of change. It takes someone, some person, a human being who can take what is written on the pages of policy papers, written laws, and mandates, and put them into action. It is then that we can have the greatest impact on the world around us. When we touch the pre-wealthy (remember, they are not poor), we touch the heart of God.