Artwork by Madison K. Colby
Black women are intelligent, creative, knowledgeable, brave, and dynamic. In any environment we enter, we master the tasks at hand; without saying a word, there is disdain, fear, or judgment. This treatment only changes when we show that we will not tolerate this, nor are we to be dismissed.
Black women historically are mistreated, disrespected, and undercompensated. This mistreatment usually stems from a host of things including jealousy, envy, disrespect, disregard, lust, or dismissiveness. But even these behaviors have not stopped us from excelling. Any endeavor we undertake, we persevere. We have to prove our value and that we are capable of any task undertaken. It's, for us, a constant battle we fight to get the respect we deserve. We push past the negativity with a smile to maintain our position.
Generally, we are overqualified and underpaid. We're required to go the extra mile in others' stead, i.e., give it to xxx, and we stay and get it done. We do this because we are women of integrity, not so much for our reputation as it is of others' perception of us. We constantly have to prove our worth. We are at the top of the class when hired for a job or project. Still, as we develop in the role, those who wanted us to be exceptionally capable begin to show signs of competitive hate or insecurity. It appears as if they expected us not to succeed, but we do, and this causes a problem. We are considered strongly opinionated but isn't that why we were brought on? When we demonstrate confidence, our decision-making approach and choices are questioned. Rather than celebrate reaching the objective, we are made to feel incompetent. We are expected to be open to others' constructive criticism but aren't afforded the same consideration when we make suggestions for improvement. We must realize our worth and demand the same respect given to others.
We will never change the small-minded! Say that again: we will never change the small-minded -- those who need to feel superior. Black women are fearfully and wonderfully made and capable of mastering anything we set out to do. We are overcomers, not allowing anything or anybody to stop what is inside us! Know our value and don't expect others to see it unless we are confident first of ourselves.
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