The schema of the “Strong Black Woman” has defined Black women for centuries.

Started on the plantations, where Black women were forced to work tirelessly, the notion that the Black woman’s body and psyche were stronger than her counterparts and could withstand any adversities set upon them, spread throughout society.

The schema served/s a society that wished/es to exploit the strengths of the Black woman for their own purpose.

But overtime, Black women have harnessed their strength to serve their own purpose and to surpass hurdles and barriers erected by an unjust society. Because of her strength, many Black Woman have dared to question the status quo, dared to push the lines and boundaries. Sistahs continue to break glass ceilings and forge new paths. They continue to build families and communities that understand their worths and values.

All these feats the Black Woman accomplished and continues to accomplish amidst structural and social inequities. On her delicate shoulders, she bore/bears a heavy weight and the journey is much longer for her than for her counterparts. Yet still, she rises.

Occasionally, she cries out; out of frustration, out of anger, for help. She cries under the strains.

But a conscience-less society, instead of helping, accuses her of being an “Angry Black Woman”.

The schema of the Strong Black Woman means that the Black Woman must bear all adversities with her mouth shut. If she complains or cries it is because she is angry and ungrateful.

Today, remnants of the notion of the “Strong Black Woman” and the “Angry Black Woman” still plague our societies. While some Black women have harnessed their strength and soared above, many are struggling and silently crying for help.

The wear and tear on the Black woman’s personhood and psyche is more evident during this time of COVID. Our mental and physical healths are being challenged even more. Many of our Black Sistahs are crumbling under the burdens of maladaptive perfectionism which results from internalization of the notions of the Strong Black Woman.

Yes, the Black woman is strong. Society leaves her no other choice. And of course, her strength is her beauty. But she is first and foremost human. She is not superhuman. She exists to strive and to become the beauty she was created to be. She is never to be exploited. The Black Woman has much to give. But she must also be allowed to receive fairly.

This Black History Month, I want to challenge and encourage my Black Sistahs to focus their strengths on taking care of themselves. Don’t wait for society or anyone else to start caring for you. Let your self-care journey begin with you. You deserve to compassion, support, and care. You are a beautiful and wondrous creation.
You are a phenomenally phenomenal woman and you are worth it.

Consider purchasing one of my Sisterhood Self-care Journals for yourself, your daughter, niece, or any Sistah that you wish to support on her self care journey.

Type the names “Forbes Matheis” in the Amazon search field to see the range of journals, devotionals, sketchbooks, and notebooks designed for women.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B09RLY9J63
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B09RLYJ68
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B09RVDX6SZ

Also check out my novels which portray strong, black, female leads who overcome and triumph against societal adversities.

When Tracks Fade:
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B077DXHQCB
A Great House for Mary:
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B08HHQLXDQ

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