Over the past couple of years, a lot of attention has been placed on the black community. Movements such as "Black Lives Matter" have taken the world by storm, shedding a light on the worth of black lives not only in America but also worldwide. With this much attention placed on the worth of black lives, it’s hard to miss just how many black women are SLAYING. For those unfamiliar with the term, it basically means that black women are taking the world and making it their own. These women are succeeding and thriving in society, as well as being unapologetic for their roots. This creates a widespread sense of pride and inspiration in the black community, giving young black women of every shade the power and confidence to rock their beautiful Melanin and take the world by storm.
There are many stereotypes placed upon black Women to limit their potential. However, black women are continually crushing these stereotypes day in and day out. Black women are currently the most educated demographic in the United States. Yep, it’s as much true as it is oh so sweet to hear. This means that black women are not only finishing high school but are actively pursuing post-secondary education and getting degrees. Not only are black women slaying the classroom, they are SLAYING the graduation stage. Caps in the air for that one!
While black women are undoubtedly hitting the books, they never to fail to slay their looks. For countless years, society has created this belief that Eurocentric features such fair skin, straight hair, and light eyes are features that women should strive to reflect in order to be beautiful. Not only have black women refused to conform to these standards, they have single-handedly redefined beauty in a way that encourages women of every shade and background to embrace their natural features. For example, the Team Natural movement. More and more women are putting down the flat iron, as well as backing away from perms and are embracing the breathtaking natural styles that consist of anything from braids or Bantu knots to afros or natural curls. Proving that ALL HAIR IS GOOD HAIR. The amount of courage black women exercise by redefining beauty in modern society is completely awe striking. Black women are constantly breaking down any walls that society builds, nothing can or will get in their way.
When taking a look at the representation of black women in the media in terms of accurate portrayal and empowerment, there isn’t really much. Which is a huge contributing factor to the self-esteem of young black women currently. It is important for black women to be realistically portrayed because the images in media are what young women are exposed to at such an early age. These images have a significant impact on young women of color. It is important that the portrayal of black women is held in a positive light so, in turn, a sense of pride is publicized and has the chance to really resonate with audiences in the black community, especially black women.
It is absolutely vital to cling on the pride that comes with being a black woman. Too often, there are people who undermine and devalue just how capable and successful these women are. Black women are strong, beautiful, intelligent, and resilient people who aren’t afraid to exceed expectations and brush off negativity. No matter what shade or ethnic background, you are beautiful and endlessly valuable. The content of your being and your identity are parts of you that no one can take away. Black is and always will be beautiful.
