The Gifts of Black Women in America

Torri moore
Jul 10, 2017 · 3 min read

Black women in society today are seen as tough and strong, able to sustain a lot of pain and abuse, “hot heads,” and yet sensitive all at the same time. I find these characteristics demanding and some even unproven. In the film Coming to America Prince Akeem’s purpose for coming to the United States was to find a wife who loves him for who he is as a person not for what he had. In Africa arranged marriage is the tradition and to escape that trap Akeem came to America. The film does an excellent job at portraying black women as stated all of the above and more. Although black women can be strong minded and decisive, the film also shows us women as loving. The love of a black women is like no other and will not fail you no matter what the circumstances are.

Women of color have so much to offer our country and so many gifts to share with everyone. Society has yet stopped to appreciate the existence of black women and that no matter how intelligent and beautiful we may be it’s still not enough to be embraced by all. From the way black women find humor within heartache or pain all the way to how they see beauty in the midst of depression, this are what makes black women unique to this country. We have taken racism, sexism, and misogyny and turned them into motivation to keep us going. Black women are the definition of pain, but a prime example of pain turned into gifts that have allowed us to succeed. Without the harsh experiences and doubt from others around us then there’s no such thing as a black woman.

This Poem for Black Women” by Reginald Lockett is one of very few that acknowledges the recognition and existence of black women. Society and even African American men themselves have tore down the title of black women in the most mischievous ways. Black women are literally the cradle to humanity and most don’t even see it. As Malcolm X once said, which still resonates today, ‘The most unprotected woman in America, is the Black woman. The most neglected person in America, is the Black woman.’ With these words in mind us black women must hold each other down and help each other get back up. Let’s show the true definition of a sister’s keeper.

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