Saving Our Sisters

There is no other way to say it, but black women are strong, gifted, intelligent and beautiful.  They do not get enough credit in how they keep getting things done in spite of the challenges they face.  Each day, they continue doing what comes so natural to them … making things happen, filling in the gaps and taking up the slack.  In far too many situations, these sisters continue to be the backbone, bread winner, care giver, taxi driver, cheerleader, healer, peace maker, counselor, long and short order cook and leader in black families. 

 

The role and contributions of black women cannot be understated or belittled.  In fact, our American history is full of black women who have demonstrated courage under fire, passion to lead and compassion towards those less fortunate.   In my view, black women have stood the test of time and have been pivotal in the survival of black families and the wellbeing of communities.  President Abraham Lincoln once stated… “All that I am, or hope to be, I owe it to my angel mother.”  And that is also my point as well; I am because of my mother and… she was a sister.   

Let us not forget that in countless situations black women would go without so that their children can have the best in life.  Let us also not forget about all the things they do in support their families, community, schools and churches.  We must not lose track of these facts and let us not get it twisted in the midst of the changing times in the 21^st century.   I know that a lot of people have various views about black women as managers and bosses in the workplace, in the pulpit of churches and in key roles in politics and society in general.  But people need to get over it and move on to other important community issues.  If the sister is qualified and is willing to do the work…so let it be.   “You Go Girl”


Our black sisters should be treated with respect, appreciated for their intelligence and what they bring to the plate each and every day.  They should not be subjected to various kinds of abuse, domestic violence and such.  It is tough enough just trying to stay afloat among the competing issues of the day, striving for more education, keeping the families together, praying, and dealing with conflicting schedules.  You know, I did not make mention for their need to take care of themselves, i.e.… hair, nails, message, shopping, reading and time to relax.  Black sisters need to be supported, loved and taken care of and that is the… last word. 

Saving Our Daughters

In the midst of all the attention being focused on what is occurring to young black men involved in gangs and the criminal justice system in particular, many in our community have also lost sight of what is happening to our young black girls.   In most cases they go unnoticed, overlooked or just taken for granted and to say… they will be OK, is not fair to them.   

If we take a closer look, our young black daughters are paying a high price in terms of their identity, self-esteem, education opportunities, dreams and future.  They are being lost in the shuffle of this new age that is being dominated by far right or far left interests.  They are feeling the pressure that comes from racism, sexism, prejudice, poverty and indifference.  Their value in this society is clouded by the views of others and even by how they see themselves through the lifestyles and the treatment of their mothers.  From those viewpoints, many young black sisters are struggling to find their place in a complex world that is controlled and dominated by men.  

To make their life more difficult is the fact that many of them are growing up and dealing with absentee fathers and mothers, many of whom are impact by drug additions and incarceration.  Some are being raised in the ever expanding foster care system and in many cases being separated from their siblings, who are themselves in the same system.   Additionally, they are too often living in impoverished neighborhoods, on dangerous streets and attending poor schools.  In addition, they have to deal with the mounting peer pressure to join gangs, use drugs, sexting, poor role models or being seduced into making money by selling their bodies.     

As we continue to push forward in the 21^st century, we must continue to find positive ways in which to engage our daughters to fulfill their dreams and help prepare them for the challenges they will face.  In many major cities all across America numerous organizations, businesses, non-profits, churches and schools have created programs, clubs and events to address the needs of young black girls.  If fact many of those new initiatives include …Black Girls Rock, Color of Change, Black Girlhood Celebration, My Black is Beautiful, Pearls for Girls and Father  & Daughter dances, to name a few that are making headlines and a difference.   As I view it, more needs to be done and with the emergence of a new generation it gives us all an opportunity to become more active in shaping the future our young black daughters… they need our help so that their future can be brighter.