Dear Little Sister,

If you were to believe any of the articles, TV specials, or statistics that have been released recently, you might be under the impression that Black Women are a rather unfortunate, unmarriageable lot.  And, if you read Dr. Satoshi Kanazawa’s recent article entitled “Why are Black Women Less Physically Attractive than Other Women”, then you’re probably wondering whether we are even worthy of existing in common society.

Truth be told, Little Sis, notwithstanding Dr. Kanazawa’s complete lack of credibility in his field (no really, just Google him), I was starting to wonder the same thing myself!  I mean, how could any group who so boldly goes against the societal norm of what a woman “should be” ever become something to be admired?

Well, just in case you didn’t know, Black Women laid the blueprint on how to raise a village, run a household, speak your mind and switch your hips, all while maintaining a certain air of regality that has yet to be duplicated!

Instead of trying to learn our ways though, ignorant outsiders look for opportunities to belittle, degrade and de-feminize us….

They say we’re too smart, yet too dumb; too sultry, yet too unattractive; too aggressive, yet too insignificant in the grand scheme to ever be “good enough”.  Whenever you see this happening, don’t take it as a sign of inadequacy in you, but as an example of what unbridled envy looks like from the outside.

They judge and question us because, indeed, Black Women are not “good enough” — but far greater than their feeble minds could ever comprehend.  From our brazen confidence to our unwavering resilience, the Black Woman is a wonder.  So every swipe at our ambition, every dig about our hair, skin and size, and every so-called “scientific” study of our dating patterns is just another lame attempt to undermine our greatness.

Now, if you’re worried that I may come off a little militant to others who may read this, don’t be: I am absolutely, unapologetically militant about this topic!  I was raised around too many beautiful Black mothers, sisters, aunties and daughters for anyone to ever convince me that We could be anything less.

Don’t get me wrong, Little Sis, I respect men and women of all flavours, but I am a Black Woman first, and I chose to become a Black Pearl to ensure that all of our little sisters know that they can and should be proud to just BE (be Bold, be Empowered, be YOU – no apologies given, no questions asked).

Anyone who does not understand or agree with a Black Woman’s right to just BE can have a seat, as We rise…

You may shoot me with your words,
You may cut me with your eyes,
You may kill me with your hatefulness,
But still, like air, I’ll rise.
- Dr. Maya Angelou.

With love,

Tionie.


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