Do you know you're beautiful?
I'm serious. Do you know?
When you woke up this morning did you look in the mirror and smile?
Did you recognize yourself? Did you recognize your worth?
Has anyone looked at you today and said, "Wow, you're beautiful."
Well if not, I just did.
I know how it feels and what you're going through.
I know it's hard when people judge you based off your skin tone. We are looked upon for our Eurocentric Beauty, but why shouldn't we embrace that? Let you're sun kissed skin shine bright. Dr. Martin Luther King once said "The black skin is not a badge of shame, but rather a glorious symbol of national greatness." We all come from all different sides of the spectrum; but whether you're dark skin, light skin, or right in the middle, remember how gorgeous you are.
I know you are judged for your hair. People don't take you as seriously when you have box braids, but as soon as the Kardashians do it, it's super cute and trendy? Cultural Appropriation? Let me know. You're natural look is so beautiful, but you can't always flaunt your afro, because then you are assumed to be some sort of "Black Activist." Your friends always ask you "What's on your head? Why do you cover your hair at night?" Your nappy hair, it's said to be distracting, in schools and the workplace. Wearing a weave isn't any better because you're conforming to societal expectations. I just want to remind you, that people judge people, regardless. So why the hell should you care what they think? Wear YOUR hair, however YOU want. Flaunt that wig or the clip-ins. Be proud of your natural look and your hypnotizing beauty.
I know it's difficult to be valued solely on the basis of our bodies. We've been sexualized for our big butts, large chests and curvy shape. We are more than our features; the bigs lips and noses. We come in a variety of different sizes. Remember that. Please stand tall, you are Black Art. I see you and I see past the outside, your soul is worth knowing.
I know how hard it is to be ridiculed when you're passionate about something. Black women, when we get angry we are considered dramatic, hard-headed and defensive. We are never allowed to just express ourselves and our opinions, because when we do it comes off as unfriendly, ratchet, and displeasing. Your voice is just as important as all the white women sitting next to you. Don't hide behind the curtain. Be heard.
I know how difficult it is when even our own men don't choose us. I see it all the time. Black men, they value white, Hispanic and especially mixed women, more than they value us. But that's where I learned to value myself. No one has to tell you how much you mean to this world, tell yourself. Be in love with everything that you are. Don't let anyone tell you, you aren't enough, because girl, you are. You are smart, exotic, complex, and incredibly important. You don't see it, but I do. Learn to accept yourself, appreciate yourself, because if you don't who will?
I know it's hard to be looked at for almost everything you do. You have to be extra careful in so many situations. When you're sitting with your friends, talking and laughing, you're being called "obnoxiously loud" and behind your back because your beautiful, bold voice booms over others. It's hard when you walk into a high end store and the sales clerk eyes you up and down multiple times when you pick up a perfume bottle or a new pocketbook. They see you as cheap and unworthy of their products. Black women, we're looked upon for everything we do. But, I just want to tell you to keep your head up, you're bigger than the situations that you're placed in. You can handle it, fight the good fight.
So, to my black women, you are strong, sensitive and compassionate. You are confident, and fierce. You have a fire in you that could never be extinguished. Demand respect, and stand up for yourself. Be you. Black girls rock. You are made in God's perfect image. I know it's hard but we can get through this. Your melanin makes you exactly who you are and your black is so beautiful.
-From One Black Girl To The Next...
