A Letter to Black Women

Written by: Jazzie Johnson

Dear Black Woman, 

Are you okay?  I’m not asking just to ask. I want to genuinely know if you’re okay. I know this world has made it easy to believe that no one cares about your feelings, but I do. The weight of the world has been on your shoulders since before you were even born. Black women have been the matriarch of families (not just black ones) for centuries. You are assumed to be strong just by the hue of your skin and because of that, you have to be. You are leaned on and very rarely have others to lean on. Your strength becomes a weight instead of your power. Men assume you don’t want, or need, them. Doctors assume you don’t need help. You are written off when you seek a safe space, so you become your own safe space. Black women I want to be the one to let you know that you are seen. You are heard. You are loved. You are admired. You are the blueprint. You are beautiful. Your strength is a weapon, but don’t get comfortable in that strength. Seek a village whether that’s family, friends, a partner, or a therapist. You deserve to be poured into, too. I know today’s world is disheartening whether you decided to disconnect or not, but just know you are not alone. We love you.