Research Has Eluded Black Positivity, but Black Women Champion Positivity for the Culture Through and Through

Conversations from the Book, "Let Me Explain Black, Again" by Pepper Miller

In my latest book, I dedicated a chapter to Black women whom I deem “The Fighters for Cultural Good” and that good fight— to raise our families, to work, educate, set trends and standards— has been not only to survive and thrive as individuals, but to propel Black forward. I like to say, "there's nobody Blacker, than a Black Mama"?and I think that's true in so many ways. Black mothers, and Black women are the keepers of our history and our future. They are the matriarchs of shaping and shifting, not just Black culture, but American culture for centuries.

So?where's the recognition? Where's her voice? Where's her chair??To be fair,?Black women are getting more attention and some recognition... but Let Me Explain...

She’s in the room, but she’s not at the table. Being in those decision-making roles is not yet a norm for her— and at this point, it needs to be. With the amount of influence she holds, what’s it gonna take to acknowledge, include and celebrate the voice of the Black woman? From what I can see, as a Black woman myself and as a researcher, it’s likely gonna take other Black women… as well as her tried and true allies.?

Last month I started a conversation about Black Men showing up in extraordinary ways, specifically within spaces that America overlooks; spaces that are entirely different from where mainstream typically looks for the ideal male figure. Black women, however, have been “right here” navigating and contributing to those spaces, both where America looks, and where America doesn't look. She is present in the most significant eras, infrastructure and spaces that has made America great; vying to be seen and heard, yet continue to be excluded. I write about the unfounded and outdated negative lens through which Black women feel society sees them: loud, angry, aggressive, opportunistic. Whereas white women are labeled more positively: spunky, ambitious and successful. As such, Black women today are turning inward and upward. They're branching out, refusing to wait for mainstream's inclusion, and instead supporting, championing and growing within her own?tribe.

And it's not going unnoticed. Often, American influencers are voyeurs, scoping the style, swag, lingo and overall customs that come from Black women creators. Thanks to social media and the Digital Age, Black women have taken a cue from her greats and ancestors, to be the change they want to see. Recording artist, actress, entrepreneur and philanthropist Rihanna saw a gaping need for makeup and skin care to be more inclusive -- she created the billion dollar brand, Fenty Beauty.?

Today, more than ever, you can find brands, communities, movements, channels, groups, collectives and businesses run by Black women, for Black women. In Chapter 11, I underscore how "Her Tribe Is Her Pride". Now, when Black women need almost anything, "there's a group for that". For example, it started with products and brands like Carol's Daughter, My Black is Beautiful and Black Girls Rock. Then lots of communities popped up, like, Black Girls Run, Black Girl Magic, Black Girl Food Blog, Brown Girl Skincare Collective, Black Girls Read TOO, Transparent Black Girl, Therapy for Black Girls and Black Girls Gardening. Then there are products like Black Girl Sunscreen, and other collectives and brands geared towards the needs and interests of Black people in general. These spaces provide a safe place for Black consumers without the piracy, judgement and bias. These communities have thriving active memberships from 30,000 to 100,000 members. The Broke Black Girl, for example, is an upbeat, non-conventional Facebook group of 80,000 and 245,000 IG follower providing practical money management advice, tips and tricks, encouraging financial security.

Researchers need to understand that discounting and ignoring Black women is a mistake. Here’s why:?

Black women are?

• are highly college educated and often have a side business in addition to their full time job
• the majority head of household, demographically
• Cultural trendsetters?
• the Conduit through which marketers reach the Black community
• the Drivers of the $1.6 Billion total in Black spending power?

There exists a painful historical past for Black women in America, however today, they are reviving their cultural heritage, making it a point to honor those who paved the way for them to thrive today, unapologetically.?I closed the chapter on Black women with this quote:?

"When brands and companies strategize to include positive, relatable, aspiring messages for Black women, they win!?

Join the conversation! Chime in on your experience with or as a Black woman consumer in America. Don't have your copy of the book? Order it today and check out the amazing reviews!