“Hi, I’m a strong, educated Black woman,” says no one. Can I be strong and intelligent? And, can I just be Black? Separately? Excuse me for acquiring all three, but I like my “compliments” to stand apart from my blackness.
I am a woman. Yes, I earned a degree that’s likely resting in a box in a corner collecting dust. Yes, I use my knowledge, skills and my God-given talents daily. But, I am still a woman. Yes, I am Black. But, I am simply…woman.
I don’t twist my neck and snap my fingers. I am a woman. I don’t need fancy titles or adjectives to distinguish my intelligence. I am a woman. I don’t use my physical prowess to beat and cause injury. I am a woman. I’m not angry at the world. I’m a woman. My blackness is strength, not insulting. I am a woman.
I am outspoken, I am proud, I am funny, I am fierce, I am fabulous. I am a woman.
And, like my fairer-skinned sisters, I am educated and strong. Stop equating my intelligence and strength to my skin color and race. When’s the last time you heard, “she’s a strong, educated White woman?” Is it easier to hear an opposing word from a White woman? Is she less angry than a Black woman? Is education more appropriate for White women? Are White women not as strong as Black women? Well, #ibedamned. I am not a strong, educated Black woman. I am a woman.
Like this #ibedamned blog? Please leave a comment showing love or sharing your thoughts on the topic. And, don’t forget to share the page with your friends.
ibedamned 
*Inhales slowly* I am sick and tired, I repeat, sick and tired, of people always having to group everything under the sun with blackness. Whether it’s “Angry and Black”, “Intelligent and Black” or “Black and Beautiful” we can never seem to get a compliment without mentioning our race. Don’t get me wrong, I am proud of my blackness, and I without hesitation and doubt will own it COMPLETELY. However, other racial groups seem to just be “funny” “beautiful” and “intelligent” sans their ethnic background. Great post, and I look forward to reading more of your work. ❤
LikeLike
Giiiiirl, I’m so glad you feel me on this one. I have seen and heard so many “black compliments or insults.” I had to address it. Thanks for reading.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Reblogged this on The Cheyenne Hour and commented:
These are my sentiments on a silver platter
LikeLike
“I like my compliments to stand alone from my blackness.” Love that and I absolutely agree. Why does our race always have to be added in? Why can’t we just be…..
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m glad that you agree. It’s like saying, “you’re pretty for a Black girl.” Thanks for reading.
LikeLike
Great post! I agree with you and everyone else. We should also be celebrated for our great achievements and characteristics. I was having a conversation with family and friends about something similar to this. My 14 year old daughter was told by a group of peers that she talks like a “white girl”. We felt like it was really demeaning and insulting.
LikeLike
Yep. Black is just the icing on the cake, but being a woman first because being a woman is extraordinary!
LikeLike
This is so good. Lately it seems that everything we do is presented “as a black woman”. But that’s what we are…we have no choice. LOL
Our characteristics shouldn’t always be a part of our race or color. Thats part of is but not ALL we are.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you.
It reminds me of the statement, “you’re pretty for a Black girl.”
LikeLiked by 1 person
I agree we shouldn’t always have our race added to our gender when they’re great things about us. I am first a woman as Anitra stated, that happens to be black with a degree. Right on, sis! Thanks for speaking the truth!
LikeLiked by 1 person
You have to good point. I think if we weren’t portrayed so negatively in the media and stereotypes, adding the black piece wouldn’t feel necessary sometimes.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I had to tell myself this over and again to not give up after having a baby at 19yrs old. I still tell myself this when I have moments of doubt at 40+.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Well said. I am woman first. All else after. Your posts always make me think deeper. Keeping writing, keep sharing.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for the encouragement! It’s much appreciated.
LikeLike
I agree, I am a lot of amazing things as a woman. My blackness is just the icing on the cake.
LikeLiked by 1 person
While I agree, I think some people, myself included, proudly proclaim being strong, educated, and black because there are so many stereotypes out there to counteract that. With how we’re represented in the media via reality tv, Hollywood, and music, it’s nice to show the world “hey, no, THIS is who we really are.. not THAT”. But I feel you girl, great piece!
LikeLike
I also agree with you. I had a similar conversation re: stereotypes on Black women. However, I’m sometimes confronted with the, “oh, you’re one of those strong, educated, black women” responses. This I know. But, everytime, I speak with authority or express an opinion, I shouldn’t be labeled or put in my box.
LikeLike
Exactly. I’m a woman, who happens to be black, that has an engineering degree. They’re not inextricably connected.
LikeLiked by 1 person