As black female college students, there is so much we have to deal with within society and our own communities. We are constantly being bombarded with expectations, non-constructive criticisms and stereotypes about our personalities, hair, bodies, sexuality, and language…amongst many other things.
Personally being a black woman in college myself, it was extremely hard to find my identity within my college community all while being comfortable working and interacting with others WITHOUT losing my individuality.
Many of my peers have expressed that I should not address myself as a Black woman, but rather as a human being. Well, duh. I am well aware that I am a human being, but why should that substitute my being a black woman too? Why should that erase my blackness and womanhood?
My perspectives, the way I live and understand the world, are formed around being a black woman. Therefore, as a black woman my experiences are inevitably quite different from white women as well as other women of color… And that’s totally okay! We all have something to learn from one another and erasing who we are as individual people will only nurture the pretense of color blindness, which will not lead to growth and acceptance of one another.
As a black woman balancing life, school and work, I’ve learned a lot about my identity and how it is perceived in society. I’m still learning about myself and what I’ve been put here to accomplish. Many of us are.
Here are some things that all black women in or entering college should absolutely know:
1. We are beautiful. There is a plethora of great qualities that we black women possess, both inside and out. Never lose sight of this! Regardless of how the media and the ill-natured men, and even other women, may perceive and portray you. Love your melanin.
2. Sometimes you may have to take a different path to realize your dreams. Do not be afraid to pave your own path and reach your goals on your terms. Life is about the destination as much as it is about the journey. You will fall and you will get right back up. Remember, your predecessors were strong women who refused to take no for an answer and continuously made a way when there seemed to be none. Your strength is rare and envied.
3. Value education and learning, both in and outside of the classroom. The more you can comprehend, the freer you will be. Believe in your power to inspire with your knowledge.
4. Be a leader! Do not be afraid to speak your mind and contribute to the conversation. The stereotype of the "angry black woman" is nothing but a myth created to silence our voice. Do not let that silence hinder you, whether you are in the classroom, on campus, and/or in the workplace. Speak your truth. You never know who is benefiting from what you have to say.
5. NEVER lose your individuality. You are a woman, black and so many other things. Never feel that there is a necessity to choose so others may be "comfortable." Realize what makes you unique and continuously embrace and nurture it.
6. Surround yourself with positive people that encourage your purpose.
7. Financial literacy and planning is essential. Sometimes, you have to pass on the "Turn Up" in order to stack your money up. This means having money in your savings and an emergency fund. Knowing how to manage your money is crucial in college, which will adequately prepare you on ways to manage your money later in life.
8. Race and racism is still an important factor in society. Ignoring this fact will not move us forward. Many push the agenda of a post-racial society but there are still systematic issues that we are facing. As smart and capable black women, it is our duty to challenge these issues and make strides to eradicate them.
9. Support other black women. Remember that supporting another's success will never dampen your own. Root for other black women loudly, quietly, upfront, to the side, in the back and in the best way possible way that will be effective to their growth, consciousness and opportunity. Who can support us better than us?
10. Speak great things into existence. Always express positive affirmations about yourself and your future. Happiness is a decision that you make every day. Do not allow your circumstances or others’ views of you keep you from getting where you need to be!
