Family Ties | Tug of War

Family ties are supposed to anchor us, but sometimes they pull us in two different directions — a silent tug of war between who we've been and who we're becoming.

There’s a delicate balance between honoring where you come from and protecting where you're going. Between gratitude for the roots and the necessity of pruning them when growth demands it.

Family ties can feel like:

• The expectation to stay the same even when you're evolving.

• The subtle pressure to dim your light so others don't feel uncomfortable.

• The quiet guilt that rises when you choose a new path they don't understand.

But here’s the truth: you can honor your family without sacrificing yourself.

Navigating the tug of war looks like:

• Setting boundaries from a place of love, not rebellion.

• Accepting that not everyone will understand your journey.

• Choosing peace over the need for approval.

• Recognizing that healing sometimes means stepping back, not cutting off.

I've learned that loyalty to family does not mean betrayal to self. I've learned that growth often invites misunderstanding. And I've learned that sometimes the healthiest thing you can do is stand firm — not in anger, but in quiet, unwavering truth.

Family ties are real. But so is the calling on your life.

And if you must be pulled, let it be toward the future you're building, not the comfort of the past you're outgrowing.

At the Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts + Culture