Resilience, as a Black Woman

Our Existence as Women of Color Is Resilience.
~ Erica Cardwell

I won't lie—sometimes I am just exhausted.

I've had conversations repeatedly where I am "informed" of why it is important for me as a Black woman to be active in the women's march. Once I recover from the audacity of a nonperson of color trying to "educate me" about rights and justice, I have to be very clear and blunt and explain:

my life is the MuthaFckg March.

More importantly, my parents’ lives, my grandparents’ lives, my great great grandparents’ lives and my ancestors whose shoulders I stand on are the epitome of any “March”.

I am not against marching, however, there is level of understanding that many of my allies need to understand that "a march" is not something I attend and leave. It is the way I live my life, it is how I navigate this world as a woman of color, specifically as a Black Woman. 

This is a very important distinction to make because it speaks to the resilience I draw upon every day as I move forward facing anything from microagression racism to overt racism, to implicit or explicit bias. 

There is a well of resilience that I draw from that is a reflection of my cultural principles and values. It is not driven nor defined by this society. 

Most importantly RESILIENCE is not about an ability or capacity as Webster dictionary states, it is a SACRED PROCESS. 

It is the pearl of wisdom and instrument of courage passed down generations from my ancestors that thrive in the blueprint of my soul. 

Last time we met online we discussed the importance of unbowing our heads. A key part of unbowing our heads is taking authority to redefine what resilience means to us as Women of Color.

I would love to hear your thoughts as well so don't be shy, click REPLY and share your thoughts or leave a comment below the video.