I was having a conversation with my best friend and we were talking about her experience as a mixed female and how other black women treat her because of it. She explained to me her experiences in elementary school from teachers and cheerleading coaches to her current experience with her managers and co-workers. Although she is half white, she was raised, acts, and identify herself as a black woman. Honestly, I often times forget that she is half white because it has never been one instance that I felt that she wasn’t. It was sad that I knew exactly how true that was and how black women treat each other. I am not sure why or what’s the reason that some black women find it hard to uplift other black women. Obviously, I am not the only one who feels that way and is a reason why there is so much emphasis these days on women empowerment, especially empowerment for women of color.
I was watching the BET Social Awards and heard that Amanda Seales was performing. Initially, I assumed that she was going to perform a song and was instantly intrigued by her poem. I was not excepting to see such an awesome performance regarding #blackgirlmagic. It was literally one that had me cheering after each statement, my arms covered in goosebumps and this overwhelming feeling of being inspired. I love what the moment is doing, and I want to make sure I am doing my part. Little things like supporting my friends in their endeavors, liking posts on IG, making an effort to attend events that people I know have, or posting content that is inspiring for us.
Life is hard, jobs are stressful, people are going through difficult situations and we should not be another factor for people to worry about. As women, we need to be a support system for each other and provide encouragement to each other. We are the only ones that understand what we go through, what happens in our culture, how our relationships are, what goes on within black Twitter, and factors that affect our daily lives. We are the only ones that can provide perspective on what type nails we should get, what styles should be next, or what happened on BallerAlert – so why would we not what to help uplift each other?
It’s not a hard task and its free so everyone can do it, so let’s make a conscious effort to support and elevate each other. We are already surpassing stats by earning more degrees than any other race, by owning businesses, being the highest purchaser of books, and so much more. Look at what we were able to do with H&M, just imagine what other things our buying power can do. It’s 2018 and I refuse to be the problem, I am determined to support people around me even, people I don’t even know and do whatever I can to promote the culture. I am going to see Black Panther this weekend, not because I love Marvel movies (I actually do not like movies that are unrealistic) but I will be there because it is important for us to support the culture and show others that our powers should not be underrated.
We single-handedly have the power to take over whatever we want and we once we fully understand that, we are unstoppable. I have faith in us and I am so excited about what the future holds. In the words of Monique, “I love us for real”.
Love, Brown Girl
“Behind every successful woman is a tribe of other successful women who have her back.” -unknown