*This article does not represent the views of Her Campus FSU
I grew up never realizing that being biracial was a thing. All I was aware of was that I had two older brothers and parents that loved us all unconditionally. It wasn’t until the fifth grade that the color of my skin became apparent to me. I was treated differently than fellow students, I was either too colored or not colored enough, I had “white girl” hair and my nose wasn’t considered to be black enough. I was different. I’m half white and half black; as a child I never thought of it as a problem and I still don’t. It took me a while to realize that this mix was a problem for some people, but in the end the only opinion that mattered was mine. I grew up with privileges friends of mine were not granted, my dad worked harder than anyone I knew to make sure his children had a better life than he did. My parents raised me to understand that “to whom much is given, much is expected” and I hold that with me to this day.
As the years went on, I started to mature and become the person I am today. My dad would take the time to make sure I understood that being black and a woman could present struggles going forward in life, but that I shouldn’t let it hold me back. To think at one point in my life I ignored half of myself, a half that is beautiful, complex and inspiring. My mix of cultures was continually a rollercoaster of struggle for me. I would have periods of loving every piece of myself and periods where I felt entirely out place with no true identity, but now I know that I am the best of both worlds.
Courtesy: Haute Greeks Couture
I have Black Girl Magic within me and I no longer ignore that. In recent news, there has been the rise of a movement entitled Black Girl Magic, and I am behind it 100 percent. Essentially black girl magic can be defined as a term to describe the beauty, grace and overall awesomeness that we embody. As my dad told me, being black and a woman isn’t an easy task to carry, but it’s not an impossible one. The key is to stay confident and determined. The only person that can hold you back now is you. I want us all to band together as strong and educated black women. Take the time to encourage your fellow black girl and tell her she’s magical, she’s beautiful and above all else she can do whatever she puts her mind to. Know your worth and never let someone tell you, you can’t.
With Black History Month ending, we must recognize this time as the opportune moment to join this movement! I have always appreciated being able to celebrate black history for an entire month, but honestly we deserve to be celebrated 365 days a year—our history spans more than a month can fit. So girls, celebrate yourselves and your culture every day – not just during February.
We are rising up during a time when we have role models that range from Viola Davis, who was the first African American woman to win an Emmy for best actress in a drama, to Misty Copeland, who was the first African American Female Principal Dancer with the prestigious American Ballet Theatre. These women, along with so many more, have started to pave the way for us, but we must recognize that we are the future, no more hiding in the shadows. It’s time to get in formation ladies, join me in loving yourself and loving all that black girls have to offer the world. We cannot be silenced; this is our time to stand up, raise our voices and let the world know we are here! Love yourself, each and every part. Learn to love your nose despite what some say, love your hair for its natural beauty and appreciate the amazing melanin you were blessed with! You are beautiful, strong and smart. Don’t let anyone take that from you.
“You are a black girl worth remembering and you are a threat knowing yourself. You are a threat loving yourself. You are a threat loving your kin. You are a threat loving your children, you black girl magic, you black girl fly, you black girl brilliance, you black girl wonder, you black girl shine, you black girl bloom, you black girl, black girl. And you turning into a beautiful black woman right before our eyes.”
– From Mahogany L. Browne’s brief but spectacular take on “Black Girl Magic.”