Today we’d like to introduce you to Shadawn McCants. Them and their team share their story with us below:
Shadawn McCants is a Licensed Professional Counselor who has a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice and Psychology and a Master’s degree in Counseling from the illustrious Prairie View A&M University.
Shadawn McCants is a furious leader, practitioner, international activist, Best Selling Contributing Author, Model and Actress. In addition, she is the Co-Chair for the Texas Black Women’s Health Initiative Houston chapter, CDC Ambassador for the Let’s Stop HIV Together Initiative and sought out public speaker and educator.
While Shadawn has several pursuits that she is passionate about, her overall desire is to empower you to Know and Live. Until there is an End to the HIV Epidemic, she will be a catalyst to live BRAVELY and show up fully Positive and Positive!
Now you may have read all of that and been amazed. You may also have read the last sentence and wondered about how it is that I will show up fully Positive and Positive…. Well, that is because I am also a Beautiful Bold Black Woman who also is Living and Thriving with HIV. I was diagnosed at the tender age of 17 a senior in HS in my hometown of Cincinnati, Ohio. December 19, 1995, was a day that changed my life forever.
Despite my diagnosis, I was able to graduate from HS, complete my undergraduate degree and Master’s all while being an invisible activist. I used every opportunity to educate and empower individuals to get tested, know their status, and take charge of their sexual health without the disclosure of my own.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
However, in 2015, on my 20th Seroversary (the date of diagnosis) I decided that I would celebrate my life! Up until that year, I can truly say I had been just existing with a diagnosis of HIV, ascribing to being HIV and allowing the external stigma of society to be my internalized reality of shame, fear and guilty. I allowed the shame to tell me I was worthless and unlovable, the guilty to be my daily reminder of the horrible decision(s) I had made and fear of the world finding out and like the bible days banishing me to the sea of unforgiveness. I can remember even becoming angry with God. For years my life was filled with many ups and downs, disappoints, loss, rejection, abandonment, sleepless nights but a grit and determination to live and not die through it all.
Over the next 4 years, I became more intentional with learning the facts about HIV, its impact on the Black community, the marginalized and more specifically Black Women and Girls. There was a lot of information about HIV however, as it pertained to Black women, what I found was very limited. The depictions of Black women and HIV was unsavory and farthest from the truth. Of course, this is deeply rooted in stigma and fear and lacking the true data about how systematic racism, social and racial injustice and medical mistrust perpetually keep HIV ravishing the lives of those most vulnerable, Black women and girls and same gender loving men.
During this time was also when my spiritual awakening was upon me. There was a reckoning in my spirit and my soul knew that my assignment was upon me. Hearing the voice of God say, “It’s time!” No longer could I sit by idly. I decided to be a part of the change I wanted to see.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Know and Live Counseling and Consulting ?
My multi-talented platform combines my experience as a Licensed Therapist, Spiritual Integrative Curator, and advocate to focus on awareness, prevention, intervention, and healing. I intentionally embolden, equip, and educate women irrespective of HIV status with the skills and knowledge to Slay the Runway of her life… Mentally, Emotionally, Spiritually and Physically.
In this season of my life, I am all breaks no gas. Through continued partnerships and collaborations, I plan to continue with trainings, retreats, events, and conferences that will fortify women and girls to live, love and thrive authentically in all their greatness.
Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
On December 19, 2019, I took the leap and became public with my HIV story via YouTube, FB, and Instagram. I shared my story with the world, and I have never looked back. I am changing the game and face of HIV and Black women. I strive daily to change the narrative and give voice to the many stories of black women living with HIV. We are Beautiful Bold and Courageous. We are your mothers, daughters, sisters, and aunts. We are the Therapist, Lawyers, Doctors, Teachers, and Politicians and our lives matter!
Contact Info:
- Email: shadawnmccants@gmail.com
- Website: www.knowandlivecounseling.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shadawn_mccants/
- Facebook: facebook.com/shadawn.mccants
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4o1NHfEKvce7HZ33UCQlHg
- Other: https://whendestinyneedsanintervention1.com/shadawn
Image Credits:
Right Time Solutions
