Strong women are nothing new; the bible is full of strong women Esther, Mary, Ruth, and many more. My own ancestry is checkered with strong women. My maternal grandmother who raised nine kids and never took any mess or my great paternal aunt who raised my grandfather and owned her own business in 1940s Mississippi. Honestly every woman in my life is strong in her own way. As a black woman being strong and independent is just how you are raised.
I was raised to remember that not only am I black, but I am also a woman, and that it is my job to prove to society that all their pre-conceived notions are wrong. Every day I must face the world and prove to them that I am not angry, weak, or in need of a man. This notion leaves very little room for vulnerability. You are taught “being open” is weak, crying is showing defeat, and you learn quickly it is best to play along like everything is alright. Also, most importantly ALWAYS be strong. You learn to live wearing an armor of false bravo. No matter the chips, your armor takes or how hard you work to remove it; without it, you feel that you are not living up to your role.
So here I am less than six months away form launching on the World Race, armor still fully intact. Slowly, but surely, working to remove this armor that I have worn for so long.
Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. Matthew 5:16
I am beginning to understand that vulnerability is not my weakness, my tears are not my defeat, and sometimes everything is not alright. I am learning that these characteristics are not my downfall, but what actually makes me a STRONG BLACK WOMAN!
**This post was inspired by a powerful and moving poem written by my best friend Jalisha Lancaster. Check it out below**
Strong Black Woman-Jalisha Lancaster
