Christiana O.’s Post

Throughout history, Black women have fought against a society that has systematically denied our humanity. The fear of retribution, whether physical or emotional, has been a constant companion - and rightfully so! The world has often sought to diminish our strength, to "knock us down a peg" whenever we dared to step outside of our prescribed societal roles. The "Angry Black Woman" stereotype has been used to discredit our experiences and silence our voices... even when our anger is justified. Or, it's used to undermine our credibility just like how women in general are viewed as "too emotional" to be in any position of power under the patriarchy. 🙄🙄🙄 Listen here sis, your emotions are far from liabilities. If used correctly, they can be powerful tools for self-understanding and the actualization of your dreams. Emotions can fuel our creativity and drive us towards our goals. When you learn how to harness the energy of your big emotions (like anger, fear, or excitement) you'll soon find your path towards positive change becomes that much clearer.

Many Black women today are rejecting the expectation to remain resilient in the face of adversity. The stereotype of the “Strong Black Woman” has pressured them to suppress their own needs and emotions. But now, Black women are choosing to embrace self-care, self-love, and rejecting the burden of being perpetually strong. This movement toward prioritizing well-being marks a significant liberation from societal pressures, yet also brings criticism. However, this step is necessary for reclaiming their peace and emotional freedom. Listen to the discussion here: https://lnkd.in/du74AWGR

I believe Self Care & JOY are revolutionary. It’s at the center of my work. Creating safe spaces, and pointing Black Women toward Self Care & building trust is what I do. This beautifully written post and article are a reminder of why it’s so necessary to intentionally reclaim and nurture ourselves in the face of all that overtly, and covertly diminishes our existence. The weight of the assignment can get lost in the softness required for the practice. The deep work is required to provide a solid foundation for our sustained magic & brilliance. When purely existing is an act of resistance, self-love, thriving and joy truly is a revolutionary act. (Read the original post & article.)

I want more Black women to start saying no, setting boundaries on their time, energy, and resources, and opting out and taking better care of themselves. Historically, we have been the work horses across personal and professional spaces, the glue keeping communities together, leading movements, nurturing and healing folks. Often at our own detriment, under extreme circumstances, violence, abuse, disrespect and mistreatment at the cross fires of both sexism and racism. This has led to an entitlement, an expectation that we will clean up messes we often didn’t make. The trope of the strong black woman weaponized as a way to force more labor from us in ways that often doesn’t benefit ourselves. That doesn’t mean we don’t care or won’t build a new vision of the future. That vision includes more reciprocity and less energy vampires, healing, rest and joy as resistance, accountability of harms done, and folks earning the damn privilege of our gifts and talents. Other demographics and communities will be forced to step up and contribute in far more meaningful ways than they currently do. I’m brainstorming on what that means for me and what it looks like - I’m a community builder, a creator, and always will be, but how that evolves is yet to be defined. I do know I’m reclaiming my time. #leadership #dei #politics

In our series of Common Ground Conversations, we ask Black & White women about the persistent trend of a majority of White women voting polar opposite of Black women. This trend has consequences (as the post below reminds us). The opportunity is that White women represent the largest voting bloc in America and can swing the pendulum of political power in favor of all women, simply by a majority aligning with Black women at the ballot box. Listen to what both White and Black women had to say about this critical opportunity. https://lnkd.in/guwB439h

In the wake of Sonya Massey's tragic murder, we are reminded of the constant danger Black women face daily. Even as one runs for the highest office in our nation (Kamala is also South Asian), Black women continue to experience violence and injustice at alarming rates. In 2020, we saw a surge of rage and energy following the murders of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and many others. Yet, as the spotlight dims and tensions ease, the momentum often fades, leaving us with a deafening silence from powerful organizations and individuals alike. Many still believe that being "colorblind" is the answer, but ignoring race doesn't erase the stark reality that Black individuals face daily, particularly when confronted with violence and discrimination. We will undoubtedly see anger and calls to action following Sonya Massey's murder. But the question remains: how do we create a society that sustains its commitment to racial justice and equity beyond moments of heightened awareness? How do we integrate this commitment into our daily lives, rather than merely tuning in when it becomes popular to do so? The answer lies in persistent, unwavering dedication to change. It involves continuous education, listening to and elevating Black voices, and holding ourselves and our institutions accountable. We must challenge the systems that perpetuate racism and work tirelessly to dismantle them. And yes, this means in our workplaces too. It's about building a better, more just society where Black lives are valued and protected every single day. #justiceforsonya #racialjustice #racialequity #dei #blm #blacklivesmatter

The world continuously fails to recognize the value and humanity of Black women. It's disheartening to navigate through the constant barrage of misogynoir saturating social media platforms. Whether it's contentious debates over the worth of figures like Amanda Seales, or the callous exchanges among rappers regarding their impact on Black women and girls, the exhaustion is palpable. These pervasive stereotypes surrounding Black women's bodies persist both within and outside our community. As Professor William 'Lez' Henry astutely notes, our reality is often depicted as "‘othered’, dehumanized, subjugated, and misrepresented." The array of caricatures—from the Jezebel to the Sapphire, the Angry Black Woman to the Mammy—have shaped harmful narratives that influence how people perceive and engage with us. It's not surprising, then, that incidents like Drew Barrymore's recent misstep, wherein she invoked the Mammy trope, occur. This mistake is particularly galling considering the Mammy stereotype has historically served the interests of mainstream white America, from the era of enslavement to the present day. Black women continually pour our love and labor into the world, yet too often, it remains unreciprocated. We're exhausted from constantly juggling roles and expectations, only to find that our efforts are undervalued and overlooked. As a Black woman who invested time and energy in crafting this message, I implore you to reciprocate this appreciation by acknowledging the struggles we face and actively working towards a more equitable and inclusive world.

✨ Words of Wisdom for Black Lives Matter and Women ✨ To every Black woman standing at the intersection of justice and progress: Your life, your voice, your existence is powerful beyond measure. In a world that too often fails to see us, we must never forget to see ourselves. We are the backbone of movements, the bearers of strength, and the nurturers of change. Our fight for justice is not just for today but for the generations to come. Remember this: We are not asking for permission to be seen, heard, or valued—we are claiming the space that has always been ours. As we continue to advocate for Black lives, we must honor the voices of Black women who have paved the way and those whose stories remain untold. Lift each other up, speak truth to power, and never doubt the impact of your voice in the fight for freedom and equality. We are the revolution. We are the change. ✊🏿💫 #BlackLivesMatter #SayHerName #BlackWomenLead #EmpowerBlackWomen #JusticeAndEquality #WomenOfTheMovement #StrengthAndResilience

Juneteenth represents not just the end of slavery, but the beginning of a long journey towards equality. It's a day to acknowledge the injustices of the past and their lasting impact on our society. It's a day to celebrate the contributions of Black Americans to our nation's culture, economy, and progress. It's also a day to recommit ourselves to the unfinished work of achieving racial equity and justice. Let's educate ourselves, have important conversations, and advocate for policies that promote fairness and inclusion for all. #JuneteenthReflection #JusticeForAll

Let’s see how many will actually admit this. 👀 ‼️Professionalism is often a way to control people, especially Black women, by forcing them to conform to rigid standards that erase individuality. The "strong Black woman" myth makes it worse, as we're expected to be unbreakable and endure without complaint. The Core of the Issue: ✴️Professionalism can be used as a tool to suppress voices. Black women are labeled as “angry” or “difficult” when they speak up or set boundaries. This policing of Black identity forces us to endure more while receiving less, creating unfair barriers to success. Moving Forward: 👉🏾Redefine professionalism based on respect, integrity, and valuing individuals. 👉🏾Empower Black women to show up authentically without conforming to outdated norms. 👉🏾Celebrate cultural identity and authenticity in the workplace. 👉🏾Create a fair playing field where no one has to apologize for who they are. Take action by commenting, following, or sharing! DismantleTheMyth #AuthenticityMatters #CulturalIdentity #WorkplaceEquity