Being a Black Women in America is,
Dangerous, we are seen as a threat before we even step into the room, because of the color of our skin. A skin tone so beautiful and melanin that is celebrated among the black culture and that which brings so much joy to a black woman. Has also carried a lot of insecurities to her knowing that not everyone embraces the beautiful color of her skin.
Black Women have been conditioned to water themselves down, and silence their voice. Just to keep others from feeling uncomfortable about their level of blackness or celebrated pride for their culture.
Being a Black Woman in America, is trying your best to not be labeled as the angry black woman at your job for being assertive or expressive of your ideas. So you bite your tongue, and hold in your emotions instead of speaking up. Even then, in silence, black women still get labeled as the angry black woman because holding their tongue in the workplace, and choosing not to participate with peers who do not see, or hear her, translates to her having an attitude towards everyone in the office.
It’s exhausting …
It’s always praying and worrying about the men in your life because at any moment. His skin tone could become a trigger to a racist or inexperienced cop that could take his life within seconds without remorse or accountability.
It’s empowering to know that a lot of girls wish they looked like you.
It’s living in worry ..
It’s being discriminated against and judged by different races – shit, even your own race because of the inaccurate stereotypes that were given to Black Women.
She’s too loud, she’s too ghetto, she always has an attitude, she’s always nagging me. A stereotype so wrong yet, so many still believe it.
It’s being robbed of growing up to see your parents in a healthy loving relationship because your father has been killed due to police brutality or has been incarcerated due to systemic racism. It’s being robbed of experiencing what love between two partners should look and feel like.
It’s not wanting to settle …
It’s being mentally strong.
It’s being taught to shut up, and obey the officer. Even when you’re fearful for your life. Even when you’re innocent.
“It’s being the backbone to past and future generations. We’ve been breastfeeding and raising America’s children since George Washington’s era. A lot of these politicians were raised by black women.” – @the_kingasia
It’s having no hand outs – no help. A lot of black women are kicked out of their homes by age 18 because they are said to be “strong enough” to handle the real world. But reality is, we aren’t.
It’s being discriminated on the way your hair grows out of your head and how you should style it. Laws were passed JUST in 2019 to end hair discrimination in the workplace and schools. Do you remember Clinton Stanley Jr.? The 6-year old who was told that he has to cut his hair before entering the 1st grade?
It’s getting no credit for your creations or contributions in creating this country with all of its luxuries that people take advantage of and use daily.
It’s holding in a lot of emotions because you’re not sure who you can trust.
“It’s making sure your 10-year-old son knows how to protect himself and speak to an officer whenever he leaves the house.” -@the_kingasia
It’s not knowing your full potential because you were never given a fair chance.
It’s not getting the promotion because a white woman or man was chosen over you. You can have all the credentials and know how to do the job effortlessly. But it all comes down to presence and who you know. Does the company want your melanin skin around? Or would they rather Karen’s daughter?
“It’s being watched when you go into stores as if your a masterpiece on display at a museum”.- @shirra._
“It’s feeling like you don’t belong in America, but you know this is home” -@shirra._
“It’s always fighting for our black men, but not receiving the same energy in return.” –@kristenxlee_
“We are the most under served, yet we do most of the serving. Which is why black women live in a constant state of exhaustion. This is from years of abuse and from being unheard. While still being seen as the strong one who “can handle it”. – @kristenxlee_
Being a Black woman in America is liberating, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything in the world. This is the hardest job in America and Black Women do it with grace. I am thankful to be a Black Woman in America. We built this country and raised its children, they don’t come any stronger than us.
xox Black Daria