STATE OF THE BLACK WOMAN

I just got off the phone with one of my designers, and we had an intense conversation about the state of Black women in America. As creatives, we often explore different perspectives, but today, our focus was on our unique position in society.

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Historically, Black women have been trained to view ourselves and our roles in limiting and restrictive ways. We've been taught how to show up and how society will perceive us. However, this year, we are witnessing a growing appreciation for the excellence that Black women have demonstrated for centuries. We've excelled quietly in the background, serving as the backbone of numerous movements—from civil rights to women's empowerment. We have been pivotal in societal and economic changes. Notably, we earn 71.5% of all master's degrees among other demographics, 64.1% of all bachelor's degrees among African Americans, and we are more entrepreneurial than any other demographic in America.

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Despite these achievements, we have often been trained to be seen and not heard. While many of us have broken out of these restrictive roles, there remains a pervasive need for code-switching. Code-switching is a way we perform to make others feel comfortable, altering our language and behavior to fit different contexts. Speaking in African American Vernacular English (AAVE) with friends but switching to a more mainstream language in professional settings is a common example. (Side note: I find it disappointing that in 2024 AAVE is not recognized and respected as another language, but that is a topic for another day.)

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Speaking of performing for others...

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Performative behavior is something many Black women live in without choice. It's involuntary, something we've been taught, and something we do purely as a means to survive. We are absolutely f***ing exhausted. Despite this, let’s take a moment to see that all the things we thought about ourselves, all the issues we've been working so hard to overcome, are now being recognized.

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Now I don't want to overlook the negative comments being made about us. From Sonya Massey being shot in the face to the derogatory and misogynistic comments directed at Kamala Harris, there is no shortage of hate. However, today I want to focus on the positives we can take away from these events.

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This moment is an opportunity to shift our perspective. We’ve always known about the hate, but let’s look at the support we’re now seeing. There are groups of people, such as white women and LGBTQ communities, publicly endorsing Black women like Kamala Harris. Even in unexpected places like The Villages in Florida, there is a growing acknowledgment of our excellence.

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However, while it’s heartening to see this support, REMEMBER we don’t need affirmations and validations from anyone outside of our community. It’s great to receive a pat on the back, and it’s something we’ve been trained to fighting for, but it’s not essential for our self-worth. We have always known our value, and we have thrived on the support of those closest to us.

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Our self-worth has been nurture by the laughter of friends, the kisses of grandmothers, the encouragement of aunties, and belief of our mothers. We have always fostered excellence because it runs deep in our blood. Now, we are seeing public recognition from those who have silently supported us. This is the silver lining within the shadows of hate.

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Now let’s talk about hate.

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To hate is to care and value something so deeply that it invokes a powerful and intense emotional response. So whether we're facing hateful comments now or looking back to slavery, remember that hate always stems from a form of admiration.

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?Let’s not worry about the haters—they’ve been there and will continue to be. Instead, focus on the love and support. This recognition challenges the lies we have been told about our identity and how we need to show up to make others comfortable. There are people that love us for who we are, and this is something to celebrate.

So to the women attempting to managing their mental health and push through the day, always remember that

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YOU are valuable, and YOU have always been excellent.?

Regardless of what happens in 2024 and beyond, the narrative is changing. Our ancestors passed down these behavioral protective measures to keep us safe. Yes, there are still challenges, but today we see a broader appreciation for a Black Woman's excellence. So, stand proud in this moment. Celebrate the love and support that has always been there, and know that our value is not just internal but recognized by many.

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From a Black Woman to a Black Woman