Beyond The Magic: This Black Woman Can’t Save You
It’s not that we aren’t magical, aren’t strong, aren’t resilient, or lifesavers. These sentiments are true, but not the full truth. Because many of us are tired and don’t want to save you. We bleed. We hurt. We cry.
I know, you knew this, but do you really know this? Like, beyond a statement? Beyond the fact? Do you lament our pain or just consume our trauma?
Black women are full human beings who mess up, cuss, don’t always keep our edges laid, experience heartbreak, struggle with doubt, and sometimes feel anything but magical––and that’s okay. You don’t have to deify us to dignify us. We don’t have to be mystical to matter. Keep reading…
Beyond The Magic: Anita
I think we are grossly misunderstood. Many times, what is perceived as anger comes from pain and judgment from others. When people say we are not submissive, it comes from being in a relationship where it was not a partnership but more of an expectation that we carry all the burdens (financial, spiritual, emotional, etc.). When we are judged for having an attitude, we were not assertive enough in certain circumstances and now we are unabashed in speaking up for ourselves. Keep reading…
Beyond The Magic: Nikki
Nah, sis. Pause. Spend time with the Lord, read a chapter of a good book you've been meaning to finish, go for a run, eat your favorite dessert. Do that one or those two things during the day that make you happy. When we allow space for our joy and not expect others or other things to give it to us just to be disappointed when they/it can't fill that void, I think we're more readily available to pour that energy we gain from feeding our joy into the things and people we care about, which makes us happy as well. Issa cycle. Keep reading…
Beyond The Magic: Shanika
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. Keep reading…
Beyond The Magic: Kayla
[Holding space for grief] looks not judging the amount of grief I have and minimizing it. Really challenging the idea of "what do you have to cry for?" So much. And some little things, and that's okay too. Keep reading…
Beyond The Magic: LySaundra Janeé
When I think about holding space for grief or lamenting, I have to remind myself that there are numerous Psalms in the Bible that aren't about praise; many are somber and loaded with grief and there is an entire book in the Bible dedicated to lamenting. Expressing grief is normal. It doesn't make me weak or less of a Christian, and doesn't mean I don't hold a space for joy or hope at the same time. Holding space for grief means I'm present and empathetic to the realities of life. Even Jesus wept. Keep reading…
During the summer of 2020, I was figuring out which direction to take a new branch of Social Soundtrack (Living Well) when a friend mentioned that "Black girls are magic but also we bleed." I don't know why, but the quote stuck out to me and my wheels started turning thinking how I could capture the sentiment in my work.
The purpose of this storytelling project is to highlight the full experiences of Black women beyond our magic and beyond the expectations of others.
Interested in contributing to this project? Let’s connect!
Beyond The Magic: Bianca
Black women are people, too! Haha It needs to be accepted and normalized for us to explore and express our humanity like other people. We are allowed to be angry, bitter, tired, happy, sad, joyous, sexual, conservative — all of the things because those come with the task of being a human who has experiences. And when we work through any and all of those aspects of our humanity, it doesn’t need to be a representation of every Black woman. Even with our similarities, we are still so unique. And that’s what makes us “magic.” Keep reading…
Beyond The Magic: Courtney
I would tell my childhood self that there is absolutely nothing wrong with me and that my Blackness is enough. Growing up around white peers made me feel like I wasn't adequate. I realize now that my body shape and hair are absolutely beautiful. I also felt like I wasn't Black enough because I liked "white" music, movies, and shows. I was made fun of a lot by my family because they thought I talked white and would call me "white girl." I realize now that my interests didn't make me any less Black; there isn't one cookie cutter version on how all Black girls have to act. Keep reading…
Beyond The Magic: Melody
Black women are not a monolith. We come in all shapes and sizes, we all have different views and tastes when it comes to music, fashion, love, etc. Yes, we can be strong and angry (just like any other human being), but we are so much more than that and we should be represented as such. By relying on the constant stereotypes used to define us and not taking the time to actually get to know us as individuals, you are missing out---point, blank, period. Keep reading…
Beyond The Magic: A. Nicole
I am a whole person. I live a whole life. I bring my whole self to the rooms I enter and the tables I sit at. I will not be anything other than my whole self. I may be loud, country, have a unique laugh, but that's me. I also may second guess myself and/or you. I get angry. I yell and sometimes cuss, but I love the Lord, He died for me and so in that, I can show up as my whole self daily. Keep reading…
Beyond The Magic: Desireé
I don't believe that I need to counter the stereotypes, expectations, and assumptions. I didn't create them, so it's not my job. My truth is that there is no one who can live my life better than me and all I care about is moving all of us towards a world in which we are most free. Keep reading…
