This is part six of Beyond The Magic. The purpose of the Beyond The Magic storytelling project is to highlight the full experiences and humanity of Black women; beyond our magic and beyond the expectations of others. Interested in contributing to this project? Let’s connect!

How do you define Black Girl Magic?

Black Girl Magic speaks to the resilience of Black women and girls. It's the ability to show up, with all of our talents, wisdom and beauty (and I am not just talking physical) despite being the lowest on America's totem pole. It's believing that we as Black women have so much to offer this world - determination, brilliance and strength - to name a few and doing just that time after time.

How do you define Black Excellence?

Black Excellence to me means striving to be the best, in any given area (be it, family, career, friendships etc.) with the full acknowledgement/awareness of our African roots and being completely unashamed about it. It's the ability to take pride in what America hopes we take disdain in.

Describe a time when you felt the need to shrink yourself or code-switch to mentally or physically survive.

My husband and I have attended predominantly white churches and looking back, there have been several occasions, when I was extra mindful of how I was engaging so as to not look like the ghetto or angry Black women caricature that runs rampant in the average white imagination.

What does it look like to hold space for grief?

To acknowledge that we are not okay; to be patient with ourselves as we reckon with the loss we just experienced.

What does it look like to hold space for joy?

It means to choose to celebrate, smile, rejoice because it is necessary for our thriving. It's an act of resistance, in the face of the atrocities committed against Black lives with the goal of keeping us disadvantaged.

Pause and think about all the stereotypes, expectations, or assumptions placed on Black women. What do you want to say to counter those stereotypes/expectations/assumptions? What's your truth?

While Black women are INCREDIBLY strong beings, we are also delicate, precious and worth protecting as well. We are always putting out for our husbands, partners, children, friends, extended family, etc. but there comes a time when there is nothing left to give because we're always giving it all. That said, we need people and spaces that see our humanity, that protect our energy and peace and that pour into, and build us up too.