If you’re a black girl or any girl for that matter, you must have watched Nappily Ever After by now. If not, what are you waiting on?! Nappily Ever After is a wonderful story of a Black Woman who learns to love herself, hair or no hair, straight or kinky. It is an ode to black girls everywhere to love yourself and not change for anyone. My post, Who defines beauty? was the first of my series on beauty. In the UK, October is celebrated as Black History month so today, I want to focus on Black Beauty.
Last week, the Caribbean Society at my university had a panel discussion on Black Identity. I was fortunate enough to be one of the panellists. The audience stole the show, giving first hand experiences of racism. Hearing the experiences of young black people around the world, from the USA to Canada to the UK broke my heart.
Many people stereotype black people, intentionally or unintentionally but they fail to realize how multifaceted, gifted and beautiful black people really are. Last night, the African Caribbean Society at my university organized an amazing talent showcase with inspiring young black people in the arts, from fashion designers to spoken word artists to singers/rappers to instrumentalists. I felt a sense of pride and privilege to be a part of this honourable society of black people. It also reminded me that as a black person I should ensure that I tell my own story because if someone else does, the words may be edited. It is up to us as black people to speak up and not allow others to tell our stories for us. Write the song, create the movie, make the blog post! Your voice needs to be heard and your voice matters!
Black is magic and as one of the fashion designers’ line stated, Melanin Matters! Every black person has their own unique black experience. We are not the same and that’s what makes being black so beautiful. We cannot be confined to a box. Pursue your passions, no matter how weird or difficult it may seem. Go after your dreams! And when people question, who you think you are, let them know who you are and that you did not come to play. I’d be lying if I said that it was easy though. As a young black Aspiring Barrister, I am fighting an uphill battle to make it in the legal sector in the UK. Sometimes I feel like I have to work twice as hard and put in ten times the effort as my counterparts. Knowing this actually fuels me to work harder.
Living in a country where you’re a minority can really have a serious impact on the way that you view yourself. In times like these, self-reflection is so important. It’s important to ask yourself, Who Am I? What do I stand for? What do I want people to remember about me? When you walk into a room full of people who do not look like you and you can sense the glares and stares, walk with a little more pep in your step, let that boost your confidence and make Nefertiti, Candace and Amina proud that you are their descendants! Show everyone what the black girl can bring to the table and make your dreams a reality. If Oprah and Beyonce’ can do it, then so can you!
To the little girl struggling with low self-esteem because she’s different, to the lady struggling to fit a mold that society has painted for her, my advice to you is to defy! Just as your hair defies gravity, defy the odds, because you were born to stand out! If they won’t give you a mic, find another way to get your voice heard. If they don’t give you a seat at the table because they claim you have nothing to bring to the table, smile and remember that you are the table! Create your own seat and let your work ethic exceed expectations. Do not conform to society’s perceptions of who you should be. Know that your uniqueness is what makes you truly beautiful.
Your melanin is undeniably amazing. Own it, love it and embrace it!
Schar's Mind 