Your back against the world
I never trade you for anybody else, say
Brown skin girl, ya skin just like pearls
The best thing inna di (about the) world
I never trade you for anybody else, say
Wish you could trade eyes with me (’cause)
There’s complexities in complexion
But your skin, it glow like diamonds
Dig me like the earth, you be giving birth
Took everything in life, baby, know your worth
I love everything about you, from your nappy curls
To every single curve, your body natural
Same skin that was broken be the same skin takin’ over
Most things out of focus, view
But when you’re in the room, they notice you (notice you)
‘Cause you’re beautiful
Yeah, you’re beautiful.” – Beyonce
This post is a shoutout to all the Black women past and present who continue to show up. I’m talking about the Block Club Leaders in the hood, the women running the church fundraisers, the grandmas taking care of the grand kids, the women working two jobs, going to school, and helping your children with homework. To the women who paved the way for our magic to shine I am eternally grateful. I am also talking about Harriet Jacobs, Zora Neale Hurston, Ida B. Wells, Audre Lorde, Angela Davis, Sojourner Truth, Cicely Tyson, Maya Angelou, Alicia Garza, Opal Tometi, Patrisse Cullors, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, India Arie, Melissa Harris Perry, and countless others. I made a point to list out just some of the Black women who have made an impact on my life and I’m sure countless others. I don’t know these women personally, but I have read their work, listened to their music, watched their movies, and listened to their personal stories. These women deserve this shoutout because they speak for the voiceless.
From the first day that COVID-19 hit Black women in my community began to mobilize. They made sure that people had masks, gloves, hand sanitizer, and food in preparation for quarantine: even if they didn’t have the necessary supplies for themselves. And then George Floyd’s death. The Black Lives Matter Movement was activated (Headed by three Black women), and so were the eyes and ears of Black Women across the country. I remember seeing a protestor’s sign shortly after his death that read, “All mothers were summoned when he called out for his mother.” -Anonymous I’m not sure who started that, but this is who the Black woman has always been to every community within her grasp. She takes hold, nurtures, and breathes life into everything that she touches.
I just wanted to say thank you and I love you!
Zen Culture 