Finding Common Ground
In college I took a Feminist Studies class and recall thinking my professor was just too intense, fast paced, and had absolutely no sensitivity to anything. Not long after enrolling I dropped her class because I didn’t feel I would get what I needed from her. I eventually began my own research and found meaning, connection, common ground, and my self-proclaimed place as an Eco-Feminist. Feminism is not just for women because there are men who identify as such. In my personal research I had a sense of deep satisfaction in finding those often unsung stories with women whose skin color was the same as mine.
Who We Are
I want to point out that it’s Black History month (in case you’re residing in a bubble) but for women of color who are pursuing and living our goals we are making Black History right now! We are the mothers who are the backbone of our family unit, the working woman trying to climb that corporate ladder and break glass ceilings, the girl boss funding a dream business with her own money, the over-looked girl trying to break generational poverty with no blueprint for success, the fearless solo traveler who sometimes gets treated poorly in foreign countries because of her melanated complexion, the most highly sexualized and misunderstood woman in the world. Yeah, that’s us - Women of Color. You can’t fully understand the Black Woman experience unless you are or can empathize with a Black Woman.
History Not Forgotten
I wanted to focus on exceptional black women that you don’t commonly hear about – but exceptional, nonetheless. The spotlight is on Audre Lorde who was born in Harlem, NY. She was a writer, poet, and activist known for pieces that conveyed her frustration with the issues surrounding civil rights and feminism. Particularly her critique of the exclusion of black women in the feminist movement of the ‘60s. Her openness with her own sexuality in her writing also made her a legend in the New York LGBT community. Lorde was also a professor of English at John Jay College of Criminal Justice and Hunter College. She received many honors throughout her career. She holds a long resume of accomplishments. One of her most famous literary pieces that we love, “A Litany for Survival.” Enjoy this stanza from her poem:
“For those of us
who were imprinted with fear
like a faint line in the center of our foreheads
learning to be afraid with our mother’s milk
for by this weapon
this illusion of some safety to be found
the heavy-footed hoped to silence us
For all of us
this instant and this triumph
We were never meant to survive.”
To read the entire poem check the place that holds a literary gold mine at Poetry Foundation.
Room For Us
Black women have worked very hard to get where we are today. So it doesn't matter what industry it is - Black women will be there. It doesn't matter the topic of conversation - Black women will be there. We will occupy those spaces at every level because we deserve to be there.
About the author:
Kesha is a risk and compliance business professional, entrepreneur, freelance writer, young adult fiction author, and most important a loving mom. She enjoys writing, gardening, traveling, and believes putting God first and loving yourself is key.
