Black Feminist and Proud

Photo Credit: Style to Bits

I am a Black feminist. I also live in the city historically known for one of the most gruesome massacres of Blacks in this country. The blood of my ancestors runs through the soil of this city. I moved here of my own volition, however, and every day I seek the education and opportunities to continue inspiring and sparking change, inclusion, and empowerment. It’s been over 120 years, but so many of the same racist, biased, and violent mentalities and behaviors continue today.

Obviously, my mission doesn’t come without its challenges, stress, and/or checking of those who misinterpret my amiability for weakness. I have to ensure that I’m protecting and nurturing my mental health on a daily. I must steel myself to the incessant exclusion that occurs in my place of work and, as a model, in the fashion industry. I have a small portfolio of photos that will never see the light of day because I found out, post photoshoot, that the photographer possessed racist views, or spouted a desire to diversify their portfolio, but only really saw me as a token; a spot of brown in their otherwise European “standard of beauty” picture book.

I am not one to take that type of mentality or disrespect lightly. As the buying power of Black consumers has a significant influence on our nation’s economy, I put my money where my mouth is; or should I say, I don’t hesitate to boycott businesses that demonstrate little to no respect for my blackness yet seek out the green in my pockets. However, while there is buying power, Blacks still, unfortunately, do not have established generational wealth because time after time, historically, the intent of white supremacy is to violently extinguish all attempts for Blacks to live a peaceful post-slavery life. Twenty-three years after the 1898 massacre in Wilmington, the Greenwood Massacre took place in Tulsa, OK, destroying more than 35 square blocks of the district of Black Wall Street and killing hundreds of African Americans.

I will continue to kick down the doors that are purposefully shut in my face and let them know upon my entrance that I will not be ignored. Too many young Black and brown girls growing up in generations behind me need to see that they have a place in this society or feel empowered enough to carve out their own.

#BlackandProud

Wakanda Forever

One thing that was made abundantly clear during Black Panther's release is that many people don't want to see Black people be great or joyful, so we often have to embrace and create opportunities of greatness for ourselves. Black Panther, for many, has ignited a fire in our creative drive, and the camaraderie amongst Blacks. There should have been a fashion week solely for Black Panther fans' designs and ensembles across the country!

T'Challa/Black Panther (Chadwick Boseman) is the most inspiring superhero in the Marvel universe. His actions denote a man who understands and takes full responsibility for the burden and privilege that comes with being a king of a nation and a protector of the world.

The importance of the inclusion, representation, and celebration of Black women, often not seen in many social circumstances, is immense. Black women are often pushed into the beauty shadow of our white counterparts while our style is simultaneously appropriated. Our hard work is utilized while the credit is distributed elsewhere. I for one am exponentially happy to see Black Panther's representation and success in my adulthood, which I didn't always see growing up. It wasn't until I was 22 that a Black Disney Princess was created. Watching Black Panther made me feel like a kid again, but it also empowered me as a  Black woman watching other strong women on screen, who look like me, embodying excellence and strength in their purest forms.

To fans, Wakanda isn't just the fictional African nation in the comics housing vibranium and technology far beyond our years; Wakanda is a vision of what could have been if colonizers had left our ancestors alone to thrive. Wakanda is what could be, and it is the rich utopia Blacks long for in a time and country where we still have to fight for our right to protest not being killed over the color of our skin, while the content of our character is overlooked.

So to all of you I say, "Wakanda Forever!"


What are your thoughts on the film?


Photo: http://movies.disney.com.au/marvel-studios-black-panther

Like a Lion, I Roar: A Day in the Life of a Black Woman

I'm sure some will read that title and turn away, but I will not be silenced. So much has happened and continues to happen in this country, daily with the most recent election, that puts the reality of my identity as a Black woman in a white, patriarchal society into focus. Consider that Trump's cabinet picks so far have been older white men who all in some way supported extremist organizations like the KKK, sought control over women's rights, and/or denounced other races, sexual orientation, and religions.

As a black woman, I face discrimination in regards to both my gender and my skin color (misogynoir) regularly. Some people feel the need to try and silence, minimize, or deflect away from my concerns and struggles because they don't want to be bothered; or they try to tell me "what's best" because they  unquestioningly benefit from a system that would, more often than not, seek to hold me back. To disagree with the status quo and to stand my ground is often to be labeled as "the angry black woman". I have even been referred to as "racist" by a former friend for supporting Black Lives Matter (as if reverse racism were an actual thing.) Certain "friends" over time claimed to empathize with my, and other peers', plight only to fall silent or turn a blind eye when the time for truly standing in solidarity was at hand. I don't have the privilege to turn a blind eye because the struggles of fellow marginalized groups could very well, if not already, become a struggle for me.

I have many friends and acquaintances who feel disquieted with law enforcement, while I know others who refuse to acknowledge the legitimacy of said apprehension. All one needs to do is look at the tragic and fatal story of Sandra Bland. African American women are three times more likely than white women to be incarcerated and this is in the back of my mind, and many others, now and when I've been pulled over in the past for a law I was told I looked like I *could have* broken.

Time and time again we see Black professional athletes praised for their successful athleticism, but as soon as they do something like peacefully protest racial injustice or embrace their natural hair in all its splendor, they are viewed as "stepping out of line" or "taking it too far" and simply need to "shut up, conform, and play".

In the past few weeks I've seen people say some of the most vile and reprehensible things about, and to other people because they believe it fits the narrative of "making America great again". While I have been on the receiving end of these types of comments, I will continue to stand up for myself and those around me facing the same type of mistreatment.

I will not be silenced.

Taking A Knee, Rising Above Hate

"Girl, sit down, shut up, and sing these songs for our entertainment”

“Boy, sit down (stand up), shut up, and take these concussions for our entertainment”

This seems to be the underlying connotation behind a plethora of angry and hate filled rants against artists and entertainers of color who have used their platform to peacefully protest and/or bring awareness to the current (and unbroken) tide of racial and social injustice. Beyoncé, a nationally recognized and acclaimed music artist and Black woman, addressed police brutality in her video “Formation” and during her Superbowl 2016 Halftime Performance. With raised fists, black leather, afro puffs, and more #BlackGirlMagic than one can handle, Beyoncé and her performers conveyed a powerful message on the football field. For me, the powerful fists in the air were reminiscent of the 1968 Olympics Black Power/Human Rights salute led by Tommie Smith and John Carlos during the medal ceremony.

Most recently, Colin Kaepernick took a knee during the National Anthem in protest of social injustices, police brutality, and transgressions against minorities and People of Color in the United States. While Kaepernick has received support (a large number being Veterans), he has received backlash and a barrage of hate in the form of being called the ‘N’ word and having many wish him injury, team termination, and even death. There is nothing patriotic in tearing down your fellow man with racist slurs and threats for peacefully protesting injustices, while simultaneously denying him or her rights the very Constitution one claims to adhere to and respect gives them. There are certain voices in this country that endure attempts to be silenced when they go against the status quo; a status quo created and perpetuated by a prejudice, patriarchal system. The angry focus (used as a distractive technique) is placed on the protest. However, it’s not the method that is the problem. The problem for many is the message, in and of itself, of racial and social injustice that motivated the call for action altogether.

It is interesting that both demonstrations this year took place in the realm of football. The NFL is considered "America's Sport", but it took 50 years from its inception for the first Black quarterback to be named a starter for an entire season, and in 2003 it had to establish the Rooney Rule to ensure minority coaches were considered for high-level coaching positions. I say the NFL is as good a platform as any to peacefully protest and raise awareness.

A protest against injustice can be one, single voice or it can be thousands lifting their voices; but in all things, the call for justice will never be drowned out by hate.

Dating: Love in the Time of 'Two Strappin'

Dating today feels a lot like the scene in 22 Jump Street with the backpacks and whether Schmidt should one strap or two strap it at the new school. The majority of new generation, “hip” kids were two strappin’ it while Jenko was maintaining the one strap because that’s what he had always known to be the cool, customary way. He viewed succumbing to two straps as peer pressure. For me, personally, I feel like I’m trying to one strap it in a world slowly being taken over by two strappin’: I’m trying to hold onto and embark on an old fashioned notion of dating and courting in a dating world more and more overrun with swiping, messaging, hooking up, emotional unavailability, “ghosting”, commitment-phobia and d*ck pics. (And anyone trying to send those can keep them tightly locked away in their two strapped backpack.)

Guys used to call a girl up and make plans for a date and, you know, follow through. At this point I’ve been ghosted and stood up so many times, I’m not positive I don’t look like the Mr. Krabs meme…

Relationships weren’t just “situationships” struggling to get off the ground. If your connection, interests, future goals, and attraction are in line, doesn’t the natural progression lead to a committed relationship? Does anyone even ‘go steady’ anymore? I’m talking that sweet, Letterman jacket type of exclusivity. Hell, I’d settle for a man’s Members Only jacket. It blows my mind how many discouraged and frustrated love-longing people are just trying to stay afloat in this new generation of dating. If this is the Boss level in this crazy part of life, it’s doing a mighty fine job of being difficult as hell.

Online dating often opens single people up to the world, almost literally, which includes a plethora of potential love interests and no real effort necessarily has to be put into truly getting to know one specific person. While the ability to “date other people” has always been present, most people today never even get out of the “talking”/messaging stage. So much time is often wasted when one or both parties are, in reality, just waiting for the next best swipe. However, recently I took a small poll and found that many lucky hearts have found love and companionship through online dating. They honestly were just not sure how else to go about meeting someone else when many online dating websites allow you to narrow down your wants and aversions to the smallest detail.

Touché, online dating. One strap point for you.

It’s crazy that in a world where deep down everyone truly needs and wants companionship, a lot of people treat it like the Kryptonite of the universe. And while my old fashioned views may no longer be the popular way of dating, I refuse to settle and will hold onto them like a former popular jock with a one strapped backpack.

A Hole In The World

For many, there is a hole in the world today.

The past few days have been incredibly heartbreaking, and while possessing a nightmare-like quality seemingly too horrific to be true, the tragedies and loss are very much real.

Early Sunday morning, 49 victims were slain, and 53 wounded, during a mass shooting at Pulse, a popular gay nightclub in Orlando, FL. The families and friends of the victims, along with the world, are in a state of shock that such evil and hate could exist inside of one individual to take the lives of so many. I realized today that many of my friends and acquaintances nearby had friends that were killed in Orlando. I cannot begin to fully comprehend the pain hundreds are feeling right now. I cried from my soul reading the last texts of Eddie Justice to his mother in his final moments. My heart broke and the tears flowed as I read the words of a son letting his mother know he loved her, as he also noted his imminent death. I can’t even begin to conceive of the frantic and horrified feeling Mina Justice felt in that moment knowing she couldn’t be with her child to protect him and shield him from the darkness of the world.  

Late Friday night Christina Grimmie was shot and killed by a crazed gunman while meeting with fans and signing autographs. Grimmie was a budding star with a dream, passion, talent and so much potential yet to be tapped. Her last video message to her fans was full of joy and excitement. Her life was senselessly taken while she was doing what made her happy and complete.

Today, a beautiful friend lost her husband. I truly wish I had the words that could take away the pain I can’t even begin to know.

Life is hard. Life is pain. Life is a gift. Life is short. So I will love. Hard. Even when it's not reciprocated, I will do my best to send immense light and love out into this cruel, hard world. To the grieving, the lonely, the heartbroken, and those who have lost hope: You are loved.