People don’t understand the daily struggle that black women face. Here are a few of our struggles:

1. Non-blacks not believing not believing us when we say that having our hair done is going to take up an entire day.

I’m getting my hair done = I’m not going to be available at all today. It will be sunrise when I step into the salon and sunset when I step out.

2. “Black girl hair” and water do not mix.

Having to walk around in public wearing a shower cap so that my hair doesn’t get wet gets old very fast. I can handle humidity, but rain? Hell to the no. If you have a fresh press and it rains, don’t even bother stepping outdoors. There’s no way I’m going to spend an hour straightening my hair just for it to revert to its natural state in a matter of minutes.

3. “How did your hair grow so fast?”

Hmm….. When you saw me yesterday, my hair was to my shoulders and today, it's 12 inches longer??? Please think before you speak.

4. “Can you wash your hair?”

This is the question I hate most. Sure, my hair is a different texture, but it's hair nonetheless. Before you ask me how I get my hair so soft, I use shampoo and conditioner just like anyone with HAIR does.

5. Every black person doesn't like fried chicken, grape soda, and watermelon.

Stop inviting me over to your family dinners and cookouts and saying to me “I had my mom prepare all of your favorites” because I always say to myself “oh boy, I’m going to have mac and cheese and ribs” only to be disappointed when I see that it’s every stereotypical meal that I don’t even eat. I strongly dislike fried chicken, grape soda, and watermelon. The year is now 2017, get it together.

6. I can’t dance to save my life.

I have one dance move. One tired, dance move. No, I cannot teach you to Whip/Nae Nae. No, I cannot teach you how to twerk. No, I cannot teach you how to Dougie or K-Wang, I really can’t.

7. You don’t have to play only rap music when I get in your car.

Yes, I am a huge fan of rap and hip hop but I also enjoy country and alternative. Where's the Disney? The oldies? I even LOVE heavy metal.

8. "...For a black girl" does not work on me.

“You’re pretty for a black girl” and “I’ve never been with a black girl before, but…” is not acceptable. It won’t get you anything from me. Don’t approach me any differently than you would any other person.

9. What is acting white, and can I find it in the dictionary?

I’m constantly called an oreo (dark on the outside, white on the inside). This is something that possibly every black girl living in a predominately white society has heard…. Some are flattered by it, but I’m not. Because I don’t fit into your racist idea of what I am, doesn’t make me any less black. I’m told that I dress white, that I talk white, and that I act white. Should I apologize for speaking proper English?? Why many of are you shocked that I'm not constantly loud or confrontational. Why are you shocked that I can participate in the scholarly conversation? Why do you only think black women are good for popping out 100 kids and collecting welfare?

10. Having lotion in any accessible spot.

Growing up, the norm was asking anyone in class for a piece of gum... well, for the black students it was asking for lotion. I can't even count the number of bottles of lotion I ran through last summer. Ashy skin is the bane of my existence, especially after a shower. If I don't put on lotion directly after a shower, I look like I just ran through flour.

11. "Does anyone ever tell you that you look just like--?"

I never look anything like any of these people, by the way. Normally when this happens, I don't even share a body type, skin complexion or hair type with the person.