The Blessing and the Curse

For hundreds of years in this country Black women have been the backbone of literally every movement, major decision, and progress we have witness and experience the benefits of today. From birthing babies and being forced back in to field labor, to nursing babies we did not birth while our own children when malnourished. Or being pushed in the background while men took credit for strategies and plans of execution that changed the course of our nation's trajectory. Black women have always been the background to someone else's foreground. Shout out to Bernadine! #IYKYK ??

This narrative is the same for Black women led organizations. Many times Black women are forced to shine bright and shrink at the same time. Folks herald Black women for their "magic." It has been touted as a badge of honor to make something out of nothing. To make a $1.00 out of 15 cents. To conjure up the impossible from crumbs and pats on the back. In this month of February as we celebrate Black History Month we are often reminded of the contributions of Black Americans. And while many names are called, not enough Black women are highlighted and honored for their many sacrifices for making it possible for me to even lead an organization, to command respect for the work I do, and to influence a generation leading from the front. So, let me stop at this moment to honor my SHE-roes like Ella Baker, Fannie Lou Hamer, Septima Clark, Diane Nash, Jaunita Abernathy, Coretta Scott King, Evelyn Lowery, Claudette Colvin, Mary Church Terrell, Dorothy Height, Mary McLeod Bethune, Pauli Murry, Anna Julia Cooper, Julia Hare, Nannie Helen Burroughs, and countless others. It is their strength that I pull on when I feel as though I am at the end of my rope. I am reminded that they had a lot less to work with and there is an answer when I stop, breathe, remember and act.

But, let's be honest is is tiring! To be in a constant state of proving. To do more than male counterparts and get less support simply because subconsciously we all believe the Black woman will figure it out. Sadly, when we call attention to it some of us are relegated to being difficult, challenging, ungrateful, not smart enough, or whiny. At what point do we acknowledge it and make it right? However because Black women have something uniquely divine inside of them we will continue to serve our communities and our people, supported or not, because it is what we do.

If inclined, you can help us at Helping Empower Youth (HEY!) by becoming a member of our Circle of 100 by pledging a minimum of $5 per month to assist in serving youth on Atlanta's westside. Visit www.helpingempoweryouth.org/support-us to learn more and to give.

Happy Black History Month!