I am a Black feminist. I also live in the city historically known for one of the most gruesome massacres of Blacks in this country. The blood of my ancestors runs through the soil of this city. I moved here of my own volition, however, and every day I seek the education and opportunities to continue inspiring and sparking change, inclusion, and empowerment. It’s been over 120 years, but so many of the same racist, biased, and violent mentalities and behaviors continue today.

Obviously, my mission doesn’t come without its challenges, stress, and/or checking of those who misinterpret my amiability for weakness. I have to ensure that I’m protecting and nurturing my mental health on a daily. I must steel myself to the incessant exclusion that occurs in my place of work and, as a model, in the fashion industry. I have a small portfolio of photos that will never see the light of day because I found out, post photoshoot, that the photographer possessed racist views, or spouted a desire to diversify their portfolio, but only really saw me as a token; a spot of brown in their otherwise European “standard of beauty” picture book.

I am not one to take that type of mentality or disrespect lightly. As the buying power of Black consumers has a significant influence on our nation’s economy, I put my money where my mouth is; or should I say, I don’t hesitate to boycott businesses that demonstrate little to no respect for my blackness yet seek out the green in my pockets. However, while there is buying power, Blacks still, unfortunately, do not have established generational wealth because time after time, historically, the intent of white supremacy is to violently extinguish all attempts for Blacks to live a peaceful post-slavery life. Twenty-three years after the 1898 massacre in Wilmington, the Greenwood Massacre took place in Tulsa, OK, destroying more than 35 square blocks of the district of Black Wall Street and killing hundreds of African Americans.

I will continue to kick down the doors that are purposefully shut in my face and let them know upon my entrance that I will not be ignored. Too many young Black and brown girls growing up in generations behind me need to see that they have a place in this society or feel empowered enough to carve out their own.

#BlackandProud