As we live through global and racially challenging times, it is vital that we as people utilize our support systems. We can no longer self rely and depend on ourselves to “make it through."
Let’s face it. The world has proven to be an ugly place, and it’s time to find beauty in simple values that are free and often taken for granted. Love, friendship, and unity have been cast away for greed, independence, and fear. This will not get any better unless we, specifically women of color, reach back and lean on each other.
It saddens me to know that many Black women often live in isolation, depending on just themselves to get through life. Who helps shoulder their burdens? Who reinforces their confidence?
Women were created to have confidants. It has been studied and verified in the Harvard Medical Journal that there is healing power when women seek friendship and sisterhood. We release Oxytocin, which removes stress and helps us de-escalate our tensions.
Truthfully speaking, without us, working together, standing against the unspeakable, there will be no unification. Our Black men cannot and will not be able to stand like towers unless Black women are first able to show them what unification looks like.
Black women need each other more than we realize. For every backbiting woman we meet in the workplace, there should be an equally encouraging woman to cancel her out. For every social media troll and dream crusher we come across, there should be a, “You are awesome!” supporter anchoring the ship. Humbly speaking, one friend isn’t enough. Now is time for #squadgoals — a team of ladies, forged to help all of us succeed and to grow.
For centuries, Black women have shouldered the successes and tragedies of our people and in today’s age when we are losing our Black men, children, and family members left and right, we need a network of support to garner the change that we so desperately seek. The division of our culture on issues impacting our communities is hindering us from seeking the growth and progression our ancestors fought for.
Our community needs us to do better. The strength that each of us conveys should not be limited to hashtags and social media quotes. We need to be able to look at our sisters and say, "Wake up, you can do better!”
We often ridicule instead of uplift when we’ve progressed in our lives. Why not mentor and foster development for women whom you see your former self in? Stop believing that if you work hard all on your own that you will make it. It will not happen. There are things in this world that require organization, steadfast improvement, and a willing spirit.
This is also an election year. One that like in 2008, is different from what we have ever seen. Not just because of the Republican candidate and the influx of hatred spewed by his followers, but for the embodiment of female leadership at the forefront of the social justice movement. Let’s show our little sisters out there how important it is to stand together before we no longer know how. Before our voices are muted and our influences hold no bearing.
