The Invisible Black Woman

First and foremost, Happy Valentine’s Day, Happy Heart Day, or Happy Day of Love! I am not ashamed to admit I am a sap when it comes to the holiday. Yes, its origin is a bit dark and I’m not going to go back and forth with anyone who sees it as nothing more than a manufactured holiday brought about by the conspiring floral and greeting card companies. That’s entirely possible. But it doesn’t change the fact that I am a hopeless romantic who loves love and a day centered on just that. If it’s not for you, I totally get it. As for me and my house? It’s just how we roll. There’s not a year that goes by that hubby and I don’t celebrate and exchange gifts. What makes the day so much more meaningful in our household is that hubby has always believed it to be a scam, but because he knows I love it, he loves it (or he does now). So much so—while he won’t admit it aloud—that he looks forward to seeing what I’ll get him.

So you are probably wondering by know why I’ve gone on a tangent about the holiday and what in the world this has to do with this blog. Well, I’m glad you asked…

If you were one of the first to come across this blog, you would have subscribed back when the content was behind a paywall. At the time, except for the very early days of this blog, you would have only seen the first paragraph or two of each episode. I fully intended to keep it that way. And for the record, my belief that Black women do and give too much away still holds true.

So what changed? In short, my desire to keep the content locked was outweighed by the pressing need of where we find ourselves in this day and age.

Sooooo much has happened of late. From prominent Black women passing to the courageous yet heartbreaking resignation of Dr. Claudine Gay. Collectively as Black women across America, we are not doing well. Maybe it’s not that obvious or alarming because stories like this—except when weaponized to ridicule and shame said Black women—are swept under the rug. It’s not lost on me. And maybe it’s even more magnified for me because of what I’m facing at the moment. Every hit that plays out in the news of another successful Black woman cut down too soon, figuratively or literally, feels like a chip away at all of us. Then again, maybe it’s just me.

But suffice it to say, it’s made me realize that Black women in America are not okay. We are stressed. We are hurting. We are dying.

And it is that sobering realization that has forced me to open up this space rather than keep it locked away. If even just a single word in here is helpful to you, then it will have been worth it to me in the long run. Plus, I am a firm believer that if you pour into people, the universe has a way of giving it back. I want to do whatever I can to help turn the tide in our favor.

Now if you should wish to donate to the cause and support a sistah, far be it from me to stand in the way. You can still do so by going to the About or FAQs page. If you’ve already donated, thank you. I have no doubt your gift will come back to you times 7 and when you need it most. And if you can’t donate, you can support me by liking my posts or adding a comment of encouragement—if you feel led. And another way you can support me is by sharing this blog with the Black women and allies in your life. Thank ya much!

So even if you are not a fan of Valentine, consider this my Valentine’s gift to you for rocking with me.

And until next time, I wish you nothing but sunshine, rainbows, and unicorns—which are no less fictitious than the fabulous, marvelous, one-of-a-kind creature you are.

Stay strong!