Greetings to all my Melanin Goddesses and our allies! Happy Monday and happy last week of Black History Month everyone! As always, may this broadcast bring you what you need in the present moment. My love is extended to all who could use a little extra, and may my light exude positivity and kindness.
Because of my busy schedule, my blogs will start aligning with "A Monday Moment with Mal," my live-streamed episodes on YouTube, Facebook, and Twitch. Check them out at the aforementioned links!
For this week's episode, I decided to show my love to Black women for four reasons:
1) I show up in the world and this physical incarnation as a Black woman and recognize the importance of my existence.
2) I haven't focused my energy on being extra Black for Black History Month because relationship topics were at the forefront of my mind. So, before the end of Black History Month and the beginning of Women's History Month, I thought this was a perfect way to pay homage.
3) Today, I'm in Denver and speaking at a women's empowerment event, and while excited to be a part of it, I know that as far as the panel team is concerned, I'm the only Black woman who will interject my voice in that space. Those of us who have taken up space as the solo or one of the few in predominantly White spaces know the weight of feeling like you have to mute yourself or discard parts of yourself so as not to present as intimidating or subconsciously scare the others in the room. Deeply rooted fears of being seen as aggressive or frustrated when you're simply trying to express yourself show up in these moments. Despite this, I plan to unapologetically take up as much space as possible and authentically represent! Not just for myself as of today but for all the past versions of myself that didn't get to live in their truth.
4) I've discovered that my passion aligns with creating spaces for Black women, young ladies, and girls to learn about themselves, as there are physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual things about us that truly don't align with any other humans. My dissertation is literally entitled "Black Females’ Perceptions of Their Social Emotional Learning and the Inclusion of Counterspaces in Suburban High Schools." We as a collective can no longer ignore the power, needs, contributions, and existence of Black Women. Truly heavy is the head that wears the crown!
Now, you know I love me a good definition, and I'm Team #factsoverfeelings, right? So, let’s get into it!
First of all, I'm calling out Google and the generative AI because when I typed in "Facts About Black Women," I had to scroll to the seventh website suggestion to find a 2016 UpWorthy article entitled "10 things you may not know about black women but definitely should." The website suggestions and Generative AI started with negative facts about Black women. Although true, there should certainly be more glow than grow!
After reflection, I decided to highlight the glows and grows of us because as I looked at some of the grows; I knew exactly what they're connected to. Thanks to blackdemographics.com and Generative AI for the facts.
-In 2021, there were about 21.5 million Black women in the United States. This is a little over half (52%) of all Black people in the country. Black men made up the other 48%.
-Black women are, on average, younger than women of all races in America. The average age for Black women is 36 years, while it’s 40 years for all women in the country.
-Among the Black female population, about 49% are girls under 18 years old. This is similar to the percentage of young girls in the overall female population of the U.S.
-As people get older in the Black community, there are more women than men. This is partly because Black men tend to have shorter lifespans compared to men of other races. Also, women generally live longer than men.
-About 59% of Black women who are 25 years old or older have gone to college. But only around 35% of them have finished a college degree (like an associate’s degree). This is compared to 63% of all women in the U.S. who went to college, and 42% of them finished their degree.
-About 40% of Black women (16 years and older) had no earnings in 2021, which is the same as the rate for all women in this age group.
-Even though Black women are over-represented in the workforce, they still have a higher unemployment rate than ‘all women,’ 10% to 6% respectively. All of these factors help explain the higher poverty rate for Black women (29%) than ‘all women’ at 17 percent.
-About 47% of Black women have never been married. This is a big difference when compared to all women in America, of whom only 31% have never been married. Only 26% of Black women are currently married. This is quite different from all women in America, where 47% are currently married.
-Black women are less likely to be married than Black men. As a matter of fact, there are about 364,000 more Black men who are married than Black women even though Black women are 51% of the Black population. While an overwhelming percentage of Black women are married to Black men (94%), about 86% of Black men are married to Black women.
-Black women are the head of 27% of all Black households in 2018, which is more than twice the rate for ‘all women’ at 12 percent. These are households defined by the U.S. Census Bureau as having a female head and no spouse present. Only 37% of Black women who gave birth were married which is almost the opposite for ‘all women’ at 66%. These are some of the issues that factor into a much higher poverty rate of 24% for Black women compared to a 14% poverty rate for all women.
-Black women are more likely to die from cardiovascular disease, hypertension, stroke, lupus, and several cancers than other racial and ethnic groups. They are also twice as likely as white women to develop diabetes over age 55 or have uncontrolled blood pressure.
-Black women experience unintended pregnancies at three times the rate of white women.
-Black women are four times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes, such as embolism and pregnancy-related hypertension, than any other racial group.
Black women have the highest rates of premature births and are more likely to have infants with low or very low birth weights. Black infants are more than 2.4 times more likely than white infants to die in their first year of life.
Yet, here’s an irrefutable fact that Google could never conjure up: Black women are the most powerful, intelligent, brilliant, loving, caring, fashionable, spiritual, family-oriented, funny, and sensual women I know.
So, without further ado, this open letter is dedicated to all Black girls, ladies, and women who have ascended to the astral plane, those who exist in this present moment, and the Littles who are looking up to see the ones breaking ceilings and still making history on 2024. I love us.
This is especially dedicated to little Mallory and other Littles who desperately sought or currently seek Black women's representation in all spaces they occupied or currently occupy because representation has always mattered. I chose my career as a Black woman music educator because I looked around in the space I occupied and saw no one who looked like me. Now I can say I am the representation I looked for!
Dear Black Women,
In a world that often fails to recognize the strength and resilience you embody, I want to take a moment to acknowledge and celebrate you. I see you. I see all of you. I want you to know just how proud I am of you. Your journey is a testament to the beauty of perseverance, and your existence is a powerful force that enriches the tapestry of our collective human experience.
You expertly navigate a complex intersection of identities, carrying the heavy weight of history and the gaslit promises of a brighter future. Your accomplishments, big and small, contribute to a legacy of triumph over adversity. In a society that may not always fully appreciate your worth, remember that your brilliance, courage, and grace shine brightly, inspiring those fortunate enough to witness even the smallest parts of your journey.
Black women come in all shapes, colors, and sizes with different hair textures, eye colors, hair colors, and other varying attributes. But never forget, from the top of your head to the bottom of your feet, you are beautiful!
So, in every instance that you're literally or figuratively told that your skin is too dark or your skin is too fair, your hair is too coily and kinky, or your body is not perfect, let your light shine as you ascend above the ignorance of others.
In every instance you feel invisible or forced to conform to the societal standards of beauty that align with people who don't look like you, look within and find the beauty of your heart that illuminates the aura that attracts others to you in any space your occupy and pour that into your outer appearance because others are PAYING money to have the outer appearance that you already possess. The Most High made no mistake when you were crafted.
In every instance you feel like you have to mute yourself because if you authentically express yourself, you're seen as aggressive or bossy, let the stories of our ancestors empower you as you advocate for yourself. Your voice is needed in every space you occupy.
In every instance that your intelligence has been questioned, let your deep knowing of the truth anchor you as you stand on your business.
In every instance that someone you're involved in any way attempts to make you feel inferior, let the motor of your self-awareness expeditiously propel you out of that person's life. It's clear they are unworthy of breathing the same air you breathe.
In every instance you're followed around in a store because people assume you don't have the financial opulence to shop there; let the spiritual opulence of your soul soar above the foolishness of others and proceed to purchase what you want. You deserve to be in any space you want to be. You also deserve to treat yourself and have others treat you like the Queen you are.
The world should bow down to you; after all, your womb IS the cradle of all humankind, your soul IS the original vibratory frequency and aura, and the world continues to benefit from the physical, spiritual, mental, and emotional gifts you give and sacrifices you've made over many lifetimes.
And when the weight of the world you hold on your back feels impossible to continue carrying, look to the SiStarhood to help carry the load. We must rebuild our village and lean on the strength of others to help us pull through. We will be the change we want to see. This is your call to do your part in the reclamation of our collective power!
You are incredible.
You are powerful.
You are confident.
You are light.
You are the personification of joy.
You are the personification of love.
You are fun.
You are positive.
You are generous.
You exude royalty.
As we continue to strive for a more inclusive and equitable world, let us uplift and amplify your voice. Your unique perspective is invaluable, and your presence is a reminder that diversity is our greatest strength. Embrace the power within you, for you are a beacon of hope and change. Take up all the space! You never know who needs to see you in whatever space you occupy.
Keep shining, Black Women.
Sincerely,
A Black Woman
At this moment, I want to use this time to announce that I will start building and hosting an online community, providing courses and general support for Black women! I’m calling it the Soul Suite for Black Women and project I'll be ready in June. I’m working with one of my beautiful friends to bring this to fruition.
I’m also working with two beautiful Black women on a passion project that I will soon be able to announce, but the target audience will be young Black ladies aged 13-18 who live in suburban areas. I’m incredibly excited about it because this work is connected to my soul.
And to wrap up, I leave you with a quote and a list of affirmations:
Well, that's all for me this week! Tune in next week for a show entitled “5 Life Lessons My Plants Taught Me”. As we move into March, I'll explore topics of rebirth and renewal. Nature is the greatest teacher!
Alexa, play "Black Girl Magik" by Sampa The Great featuring Nicole Gumbe! Beautiful song, beautiful message!🖤👩🏾🦱🪄
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