Celebrating Blackness: Give Black Women Their Flowers
Let’s be clear, Sis. Black women are the originators & creators of all things beauty & fashion. PERIODT! However, we’ve been tricked out of our power. We’ve consistently seen our features be celebrated when other people display them, but over sexualized or shown in a way that suggests it’s ghetto when it comes to us, which makes us second guess our God-given features. So then, we start seeing ourselves differently.
What if every time you saw yourself in the mirror, you couldn’t help but feel beautiful and empowered? What if you noticed and appreciated your unique features instead of wishing that they looked different (more European) or were more like someone else? And what if you didn’t just love the way you look but also the way your life is unfolding, even with all of its difficulties? If this sounds like a dream come true, it can be. Learning to love ourselves and each other and taking care of our mental health are essential parts of celebrating our Blackness.
Self-love as radical form of resistance
Rather than focusing on the beauty of all women, I want to talk about how the celebration of black womanhood has been a form of radical resistance. Our beauty is something to be celebrated and cherished & should NOT be policed, nor should we be judged for doing what makes us feel more beautiful. I've seen us judge one another for the decisions we make & it's not cool.
A woman isn't any less of a "Sista" because she doesn't desire to wear her hair in it's natural state. Just like the next black woman isn't anymore "down for the culture" because she does rock a fro. That's the beauty of being a black women, we have options.
When we are able to love ourselves fully and unconditionally it has a ripple effect that extends to our families, friends and communities. Loving ourselves should not be a radical act but rather the norm.
Questions from readers about celebrating their blackness.
1. What are some ways that black women can celebrate their beauty?
6. Are there any other things that you have found helpful in your journey to self-love?
