Posts

Showing posts from November, 2024

Be Willing to Embrace the “Challenges of Self-Care” Too

Image
In recent years, the concept of self-care has become an essential part of the conversation around mental health and well-being. It has become a buzzword, a trend that has seeped into every corner of social media, wellness blogs, and even professional environments. Yet, while the importance of self-care is undeniable, there is a deeper layer to this practice that is often overlooked. For Black women, the journey of self-care should not only be about maintaining our bodies, minds, and spirits, but also about challenging and unpacking the things around us—our circumstances, our beliefs, and, importantly, ourselves. Self-care is, of course, necessary—it’s essential to our survival. As Black women, we have long been the pillars of strength in our families, communities, and workplaces. But self-care shouldn’t stop at simply rejuvenating or maintaining our well-being; it should also serve as a catalyst for personal transformation . It is time to go beyond the surface level and ask ourselve...

Reimagining the Future: Empowering Black Women and Girls to Lead and Govern

Image
This post is one that I hope is received well by readers. It’s about introducing a new perspective, a new idea, and a way of thinking. I think part of the reason we are where we are currently is, in some way, giving us an opportunity—one that, if we are intentional, can change our future for the better. I believe that 4B is essentially the first step for Black women. I also believe that in order for us to create change, we must begin to think more strategically—even outside the systems within which we operate. As the saying goes, “Insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result.” So why not entertain something new? Why not go beyond what we already know and utilize our minds and skills to pave a new way for our own future and for that of Black women and girls? The thing is, society has been counting us out for a very long time. I have grown to realize and see the opportunity in this. We don’t need to ask them for things, nor do we need their acceptance. ...

Black Women & Girls: Reclaiming Our Power as an Independent Force

Image
I know this may be an unpopular opinion, but hear me out—Black women and girls have long been the backbone of the Black community, carrying much of the weight through our actions, our labor, and our resilience. It’s undeniable that we have a powerful impact on the cultural, social, and political fabric of our communities. However, despite our contributions, there is a painful truth that we often overlook: Black men do not always see us in the same light, and the support we extend to them is not always reciprocated. This is not a statement of hatred, but an observation that has become increasingly clear to me over time. Let’s take a moment to reflect on a few questions: How often do you see Black men organizing support groups specifically for Black women? Or rallying for Black girls, who are often the most vulnerable in our community? How many times have Black men stood in the gap to ensure that Black women and girls are not only heard, but also protected and uplifted? I’m not asking fo...

Reclaiming Our Power: A Call for Black Women’s Radical Self-Preservation

Image
The recent election signals a pivotal moment for Black women, one brimming with opportunity and potential. It's a call for us to create in ways we haven't before, to step into our power and shape the future we deserve. The election results, while important, reaffirm a painful truth: changing the face of government may not lead to better outcomes for us. At best, it’s just a shift in power; at worst, it's more of the same—a system that has long exploited our labor without offering us the respect, compensation, or recognition we are owed. But what if this moment is more than just another disappointment? What if it’s a sign that Black women and girls must begin to create outside of the existing system altogether? What if the true path to liberation lies in withdrawing our energy from the very structures that have never truly valued us? What if we stopped seeking validation from a system that will never give back to us in the ways we deserve? What if, instead, we poured our tim...

Recognize the Power of Your Energy and Presence as a Woman

Image
There’s something transformative about seeing the value in your own energy and presence. When a woman fully understands her worth, she taps into a profound strength. Self-care, I’ve found, is a journey—one that requires more than routines and rituals. Social media often glamorizes surface-level self-care routines, showcasing products and practices that are certainly beneficial but only scratch the surface of what true self-care entails. True self-care and self-esteem are deeper, permeating every area of our lives and extending well beyond what we see on our screens. This journey is something I’m still discovering, one that has illuminated parts of myself I hadn’t yet understood. A powerful shift happens when a woman stands confidently in her own energy. She radiates, not just in appearance, but from an inner strength that shines through. I believe this journey of self-discovery starts with questioning: Are the things you do daily what you genuinely desire? Why do you believe the things...