Friday, May 27, 2016

Hey Black Girl

I went to a callback today filled with some beautifully talented Black women ranging from age 10 to 65. The talent that came from each of their souls brought chills, tears and smiles all at once. And yes, it was an audition, a competition, to see who was the best. But, all I could see was the best all around me and inside of my very soul. It reminded me of the synergy that Black Girl Power truly brings.

A Black woman can radiate your entire spirit with a single word or gesture. And yet, there are times that I feel lost in the mediocrity and bullshit. I forget our collective beauty and get mired in the dirt and grime that comes with life. The dirt and grime that comes with the loss of a loved one, and the death of a relationship. The dirt and grime that comes from an ungrateful child trying to find their way. I forget that like a diamond covered in coal, there is still beauty there. Beauty that is rock solid and never changing. It can never be diminished and it will never be hidden for long.

This is a siren cry to all of my sisters who I have met on this journey and for those I have not met yet. I hear you and I see you. And you are beautiful. We have the power to make something out of nothing, and if you are not careful we can make you disappear and still love you fearlessly from afar. This moment of dancing and singing and storytelling reminded me of my importance and value. It is easy to forget when you begin to listen to those who have never had love sung to them like a lullaby nor have felt a warm touch from a stranger. They can make you forget and I refuse to give that power over ever again.

So celebrate Black Girl! Shout with glee and joy! Run in place and run to the water! Surround yourself with beauty so that you can always remember how amazing you are in the face of adversity and hopelessness. Embrace and hug your inner Black Girl and let her come out and play. The women we have become need her to survive. Stop telling folks, "That women don't like me especially other black women." Leave that shared hate in someone else's cup because it never had a place with us. And whoever put that on on your step sold you a bad penny and it is time to bury it for good. Black women know nothing but love because they have birthed all of our pain. And they continue to live and breathe through it, which means shadiness and pettiness are for another hue. Do not let it live in your village or circle.

I love you Black Girl and I know that you love me too. Until we see each other again sing with understanding and desire and passion. And never ever forget who you are....never again.