Issue #90: For the Black Women in America

I had an entirely different newsletter outlined and planned for today but the election results here in the U.S. made the entire topic feel irrelevant.

So instead I want to say what’s on my heart.

For centuries, Black women have carried this country on our backs. From the way we cook, and nurture our community, to how our style has heavily influenced pop culture.

Throughout every decade, Black women have been at the forefront of change. We have been taught that we need to be twice as good and work twice as hard just to get the bare minimum of what we deserve. We have been expected to rally around every single cause and put our lives on the line in a show of support, yet when we need that same support, we’re often met with silence.

We are the original influencers but receive little to no credit for how we’ve positively impacted this country.

We are the ones who are the first to stand up and protest but also the group who is the most unprotected and undervalued.

And yet, we keep showing up.

Unfortunately, time and time again, this country has made us feel like even if we are the obvious best choice, our best still isn’t good enough.

This election was a major slap in the face. And as much as I would like to believe that this country deserves better, I unfortunately can’t expect much from a place that was built on hatred.

But to my fellow Black women, I want to say thank you.

Thank you for the community you’ve built.

Thank you for tirelessly continuing to fight.

Thank you for changing the world and leaving notes that the next generation can learn from.

Thank you for being you.

Although this outcome was not what we had hoped for, I hope that you are able to find peace in knowing that you did your best. Your best will always be enough. YOU will always be enough. I am so sorry that the world has yet to recognize the genius that we possess.

Stay off the internet if you need to. Call out of work if it’s possible. And go take care of YOU for a change.

It’s time to rest. I love you.

xo, Alisha

DON’T FORGET TO BREATHE