If you have a moment of anger in your relationship, don’t beat yourself up over it.
If you’re named an “angry black girl”, don’t hide. Remind yourself that is exactly how you should feel. You should not feel ashamed of being passionate.
Someone might call you “aggressive”, but you will never identify as that. You will not fall into that label and make it your name. You are still all the things you were before: gentle, kind, passionate, empathetic, and loving.
When you date someone for the first time, don’t give them “passes”. Don’t bite your tongue for someone else’s attention. You shouldn’t have to sit through racist remarks or slurs in the name of “learning”.
Or in the name of “I’m trying.”
“I’m just upset right now.”
“I don’t always say it.”
“Get over it, everyone says it.”
Don’t let anyone tell you who you should or should not be with. You are not required to be with someone who “looks like you.” Love is love, and it doesn’t discriminate.
Don’t let anyone tell you that you don’t belong in red lipstick. Wear it on the 14th.
Don’t let anyone tell you how angry you look– your resting face is beautiful.
Don’t accept any love that is built on your skin color.
Protect your heart. Other people and outside forces will try their hardest to confuse you, but your heart doesn’t lie. Your passion isn’t disguised anger. Your empathy should not be confused with having “no spine.” Show patience but don’t be misguided.
Dear black girl,
You are full of love and gentleness regardless of how others try to paint you. Days like Valentine’s Day are meant for you. You shouldn’t be ashamed of who you love or how you love. Don’t surround yourself with people who don’t put effort into loving every part of you. You deserve love with effort behind it. You also deserve a love that comes unconditionally. You deserve genuine love. You deserve to be loved for who you are. You deserve to be comfortable.
Sincerely,
A black girl