Black History Month is the perfect time to celebrate the rich culture, beauty, and contributions of black Americans. With this in mind, Her Campus UCF would like to acknowledge the excellence of our black women viewers. If you have been on social media, are a woman of color, or even a self-proclaimed “woke” person, you have probably seen the term “Black Girl Magic” at one point or the other. According to urban dictionary, “black girl magic” is defined as “the art of pure, unadulterated dopeness that every black woman exudes, which beholds not only her internal and external beauty but demonstrates the glory of God the creator.” Nonetheless, we wanted to know what black women in the UCF community thought about black girl magic. We asked three unique and fabulous UCF women who exude black girl magic themselves what black girl magic meant to them.
Rachelle Rollins
Rachelle is a junior nursing major who aspires to be a nurse practitioner. She is the President of the Gospel and Cultural Choir, and the Secretary of SISTUHS, Inc.
IG: @chellay_bellay
What does “Black Girl Magic” mean to you?
To me, there is no cookie-cutter definition of “Black Girl Magic”. The term is subjective to the beautiful black queen it is being used to describe. I do, however, believe that black women are powerful, heroic, and unstoppable by default. We were, indeed, “fearfully and wonderfully made”.
Is there any person you know (famous or not) who you feel like exemplifies “Black Girl Magic? “Who are they? And why?
My very own peer, and SISTUH Courtney Handy. When I first joined SISTUHS, Inc., I had my own idea of what I wanted to get out of being a part of the organization, but once I crossed paths with Courtney, my perceptions were challenged. Although heavily involved in a number of prominent organizations at UCF, Courtney is still excelling in her academics, giving back to her community, and setting the standard for every other young black woman out there.
Ntami Echeng
Ntami is a junior biomedical sciences major who wants to pursue a career as a neurosurgeon in the future. She is the President of the African Student Organization.
IG/Twitter: @aso_ucf
When asked what “Black Girl Magic” means to her she begins by quoting Yosef A.A Ben-Jochannan.
“Dipped in chocolate, bronzed with elegance, enameled with grace, toasted with beauty, my Lord, she’s a black woman”.
However, her remarks were as follows:
“I think black girl magic is all this combined. It’s women who have the ability to shine, go after their dreams with everything inside of them yet still empower and lift each other in the process. It’s girls who write their own narratives, embody all that God has created them to be and give new definitions to strength and resilience. Black girl magic is simply when self-love becomes a priority and walking in your truth becomes a habit, embracing that there is only one you, beauty, flaws and all.”
Is there someone in particular that you feel exemplifies “Black Girl Magic?”
If there’s anyone I feel embodies black girl magic it would have to be Michelle Obama. She is the resounding proof to all black girls that you have the ability to be intelligent, graceful and still be grounded in who you are. As First Lady she constantly pushed for social progress, in education, health and one that stood out to be the most, women’s rights. She served as a strong advocate for us, black girls, reminding us that “You are important in your own right, people need to value you for who you are because of your stories and because of your challenges”. There will never be another First Lady that commands such attention when she speaks, and captivates millions with her eloquence and sense of self.
Shirine Rouhi
Shirine is a junior public relations/advertising major. She aspires to become a fashion buyer. On campus, she is involved in NAACP, BSU, and Advertising Club. Rouhi is also a content creator and blogger at TheFashionRou.com
IG: @queenshirine
This is what she had to say about the meaning of Black Girl Magic:
To me “Black Girl Magic” means being indestructible. No matter how many people try to hold me back or put me down, I continue to exceed my expectations of myself on a daily basis.
Shirine had a similar outlook to Ntami when asked who she feels embodies “Black Girl Magic.”
Michelle Obama is a strong black woman who continuously gets put down on daily, by being called a “man, monkey, etc.” Our former First Lady handles everything gracefully and continues to help Americans with her platforms. She does it in J Crew too.
Whatever definition you have regarding Black Girl Magic, one thing holds true. The grace, beauty, strength and societal input of black women can be celebrated every month.
How do you describe “Black Girl Magic?” Let us know in the comments.
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