Dear Black Girl CEO
I can probably give you a list of names of those who have underestimated, second-guessed, questioned, and doubted my capabilities. To think that it was instilled in me in childhood that I wasn't pretty enough or smart enough is almost pretty wild to admit. But you learn very quickly that there is no real distinction between family and foe when you weren't born to fit in or follow someone else's narrative.
But let's keep it real when it comes to black women, there’s no denying that we are often underestimated and overlooked in our society. But what is so asinine to me is that the amount of strength, resilience, and power we possess actually threatens so many people in our lives. In fact, black women have been historically known for their resilience and strength throughout the centuries. We are often seen as the backbone of our families and have been integral to the progress of many social movements.
To be honest I think we have an interesting combination of traits that can be both empowering and intimidating at the same time. How dope is it to embody so much character and brilliance while being okay with creating our own lane in life and business? As I have grown I became okay with not being pretty enough or smart enough to everyone else, but my petty is for everybody when you play on my intelligence.
As a black woman, you have to always be firm in your convictions and have a sharp tongue when it comes to speaking your mind. This is why so many women just like me stand ten toes down on the many injustices we see take place within our communities and our families. I believe in holding people accountable for their actions thanks to my Mother who told me at 12 years old, "It is not what you say but how you say it. Speaking your mind doesn't mean you have to be disrespectful". The only problem is most people don't like accountability.
For most of my life, I have been overlooked and underestimated but I have actually stopped caring. Because nothing speaks volumes more than my achievements or more than me accomplishing all the things people said I never would. Two degrees, a successful business, a nice home, beautiful family, I mean that actually says enough about my capabilities.
Dear Black Girl CEO,
Continue to be overlooked and underestimated because this world can't handle your brilliance or the level of dope energy that you bring. We create magic without permission and look good while doing it. So you don't need acceptance or approval to be great, that's already within you. Happiness is an inside job so own that position.
Respectfully.
