Badass Black Girl / You Are a True Warrior

“I have a lot of things to prove to myself. One is that I can live my life fearlessly.”

—Oprah Winfrey, American media executive, actress, talk show host, television producer and philanthropist

Dear Badass Black Girl,

You are a true warrior who inherited the strength, courage, wisdom, love, and dignity of our ancestors. You stand on their shoulders, carrying a history of triumph. Yes, it is true: you also still carry some of the pain of yesterday’s Black heroines—these creators, innovators, and agents of change—and you are faced with the tremendous struggle of the modern girl of color. But make no mistake: you are strong and you can conquer whatever challenges this world hands you.

Your very existence defies history. Never forget those who broke the unjust rules society once used to limit their progress, those who fought hard to get you to this moment, those who gave light so others could find the way through dark times. Because of them, you get to walk into a restaurant through the front door, sit at the front of the bus, and cast a vote for leaders who represent your ideals. Walk in the freedom they secured for your sake. Be proud of your rich skin, and may your hair be a crown that stands tall. Be proud of your deep-rooted culture(s). Be proud of the power of those who came before you, as the strength of generations will propel you forward and carry you through difficulties.

Be fearless. But, as you move through the world, remember: your biggest responsibility is to remain thoughtful, to honor where you come from, and to recognize you didn’t simply appear and find your own voice. Alice Walker wrote, “How simple a thing it seems to me that to know ourselves as we are, we must know our mothers’ names.”

Kenbe (be strong),

MJ

Original post found here.