Empowering Black Women
“Hold fast to dreams for if dreams die life is a broken-winged bird that cannot fly.” ~ Langston Hughes
The Power of Empowering Black Women
Black women face unique challenges because of the intersection of race and gender. But we don’t let these issues stop us from dreaming and pursuing our goals. That’s why we work together to elevate and empower other Black women. United, we create a rich canvas of self-empowerment, fierceness, and togetherness.
Yes, Black women play a vital role in the strength, unity, and growth in their communities. As mothers, daughters, sisters, leaders, and mentors, we contribute to the well-being and success of those around us. However, Black women often face unique circumstances and pressures, making it essential for communities to support and uplift them. We know that working together enables us to elevate and empower other Black women.
We recognize that there is not a monolithic description for “Black woman.” There are countless origins, homelands, languages, cultures, sexual orientations, genders, income levels, education levels, body types, hair types, skin types, spiritual beliefs, and generational preferences for music, dance, clothing, and vernacular that all come together under the singular term “Black women.” As a group, we understand the relational nature of freedom, precisely because we sit at various intersections of targeted oppression.
Inspiring other Black women
Empower has a simple and inspiring meaning: make someone stronger and confident, especially in controlling their life and claiming their rights. This definition begets the question: how do we inspire each other?
We also know the power of working together — it helps Black women to do more than survive, but thrive in ways we may not have imagined.
Empowering each other
Empathy and empowerment should be woven into every approach and organizational initiative that affects Black women. The support should be designed to empower, educate, and position Black women to amplify their voices, to be effective advocates for their community, and to be empowered to change their circumstances from surviving to thriving.
There are organizations designed to support and empower Black women and acknowledge the full experience of Black women. It’s important for these organizations to advocate and shift systems to focus on the intersectionality of gender and race. These actions will help move the dial and change the conditions in which all Black women and girls can elevate their lives. Equally important are strategies that not only mobilizes Black women to build collective power, but also embraces the whole Black woman. These accomplishments can be achieved in different ways, but should also:
Tap into the strength of other Black woman and foster a supportive community
The journey to accomplishment becomes even more powerful when supported by a friend
Explore different ways to support each other
Promote each other online in a positive way
Listen and provide encouragement
If you’re an entrepreneur, make connections and find a business bestie
Be a mentor to a younger Black women starting her career
Uplifting the Black community
Together, we can uplift our community of Black women and create lasting change. Black women hold significant importance for the Black community in several ways:
Leadership and Mentorship: Black women serve as role models and mentors for younger generations, providing guidance, inspiration, and support to help them navigate life's challenges.
Family Stability: As mothers, partners, and caregivers, Black women contribute to the emotional, financial, and social stability of their families, fostering strong and healthy relationships.
Community Resilience: Black women's involvement in community initiatives, organizations, and advocacy efforts helps to build community resilience, promote social cohesion, and address systemic challenges.
Celebrating Black women
Moving forward, we must engage in meaningful conversations about empowering Black women and leveraging that power to work towards a future that is fairer and more prosperous for Black women.
The unique experiences and challenges of Black women are commonly overlooked, rarely prioritized, and effectively rendered invisible.
Without a doubt, it is time to recognize the importance of Black women and their impact on the Black community. It’s critical that we come together to ensure that Black woman have the opportunity to thrive and contribute to the growth and prosperity of their families and communities. We should be acknowledged for all that we do and applaud ourselves for contributing to the challenges and growth of our families and communities.
Celebrate the incredible Black women who defied the odds and achieved notable accomplishments. Let’s continue to work towards a future when all Black women are supported and empowered to reach their potential and hold on the believe that their dreams can be achieved.
Robin Allen is a multi-published author of women’s fiction, romance, and YA novels: It Starts With A Promise: A Novel; It’s Complicated: A Novel; The Best Thing Yet; If I Were Your Woman; Breeze and The Starters: Unexpected. As a freelance writer, she has written 40+ articles for national publications, including Hope, Digital Flourish, Essence, Today’s Black Woman, Atlanta Woman, Black Elegance, and Diversity Careers. Robin has worked as a senior-level manager in marketing, communications, and public relations for Fortune 500 and technology companies.