Black Women Harboring Reality - Empower Them

"Bitterness is like cancer. It eats upon the host. But anger is like fire. It burns it all clean."- Dr. Maya Angelou


Often times we find ourselves fortunate to go through life unaffected and unharmed. For the millions who suffer it is a REALITY to harbor. What am I talking about? Black women who suffer. Well, as mentioned in previous blogs I've posted I am affected, nurtured and empowered by black women. I am especially empowered by the ones I encounter daily. Black women have the strongest impact on my life. Black women whom I admire, look up do, and practically are at awe with, who have shared with me their struggles and pain. When they share with me personal experiences it makes me more appreciative of my own life. I appreciate other people. We literally harbor our pain, hurt, sorrow, our REALITY. I will never forget one of my co-workers who always said that she never harbors any ill feelings against anyone because she is so happy to be free. When I asked her why, she explained to me that for so many years she was a prisoner in her own home. She was in an abusive marriage and only felt like a person when she went to work because people treated her with dignity and respect. I was devastated when she told me about her life, I was in disbelief because she was such a happy person. Sadly she is not here today, but she is the reason why I have a change of attitude. When Im at work now or even out and about I make it a point to smile and acknowledge other people. Why? Because I never know what that person is experiencing in their life, what REALITY they are harboring. I hope that I can heal some hurt with a smile...

Reality Check - Empowerment 1.2

"You don’t become what you want; you become what you believe."- Oprah Winfrey

Empowerment isn't a strength we were born with. It is the ability to allow yourself to be lifted to another level of choices. We then have the ability to transform those choices into desired actions and life altering outcomes. In REALITY, we have to believe in ourselves and the lives of others. We are constantly searching for better opportunities to appear in our lives. I have been blessed to recognize the power of influence and network. I've been surrounded by so many powerful people. I am especially blessed to have so many positive black women in my mist. You have to believe in yourself, listen with your eyes and not your ears. I look at all the black women I encounter and learn from them. I may have wanted to become many things but I hope to become like many of the black women I believe in....

Reality Check - Entrepreneurship 1.1

As women of color we should always try to learn from other women. As black women we have difficulty with allowing ourselves to be guided. The REALITY is that we should strive to open our mind, especially to professionalism. There are not enough black women entrepreneurs in our communities. The first step is to learn what entrepreneurship means, and find out are we equipped to be entrepreneurs. First we have to create our own opportunities. Here is good advice from Bobbi Brown- Founder and CEO, Bobbi Brown Cosmetics

"I started working as a freelance makeup artist in 1980, and I worried that I didn't have enough money. My father told me I'd just have to figure out a way to make more money. So I started looking through the Yellow Pages and calling agencies, magazines, photographers - anyone I could offer my services to. I'd work for free until I proved myself.

Soon enough, I was getting regular calls to do their makeup. My father's advice made me feel that I was in control of my future. I realized that it was my job to find more opportunities."

Reality Check - Empowerment 1.1

As a black woman I know it sounds crazy but I find it hard for women of color to have just a great day. I myself have a very different personality than other black women. I mean I breath easy so to speak. I love being a black woman. We are the best species on this planet. It is because we are so complete because of our circumstances. We are not only mothers to one child (without given birth) but to a whole community. Our life is hectic due to obligations placed on us by society.
We as women of color have to get with REALITY. Given our ability to be stronger than our counterparts we have to take advantage of that. We have to capitalize on our own strength. Okay food for thought, If we can make a dollar out of fifteen cents just what can we do with knowledge?

Donnie Hathaway Serenades Reality

Donnie Hathaway is one of the strongest vocalist I've ever heard. But, before i go on with my personal opinion, I'll give you a brief summary of his music history. He was born in Chicago and shortly after was raised by his grandmother in St. Louis housing projects. At the age of 3 he became known as a child prodigy because of his vocal ability. He received a full music scholarship to attend Howard University. Not completing his Fine Arts degree he moved on to further his music career in 1967. In 19701 he wrote and recorded the single that went on to be the urban anthem, The Ghetto.
Listening to his music you could feel what he was singing. He had a strong emotion and pain behind he voice. He repeatedly composed songs about the empowerment of his people in the 70s. He realized the harsh REALITY of poverty, deprivation and injustice. He died at an early age. He suffered from depression and was found dead in front of his apartment complex, suicide was concluded.
If you ever listened to any of his recordings what did you conclude?

Afeni Shakur - Speaks Reality in Memphis

Afeni Shakur is a urban reality. She offers empowerment to college students in Memphis. She delivered the reality of urban living. She urges them to use their mind and think for themselves. I really felt what she was speaking about. She urged the audience to think of others than themselves. She brought the reality out about individuals that are so hopeless that they take their own lives.
I am especially fond of her, her words, her movement and empowerment. I am a huge fan of her son Tupac Shakur. Through his music you can hear what she instilled in his mind as a youth. She is very liberated from her past life as a Black Panther activist, former drug addict. From listening to her speech she has a new found hope, spirituality and joy.
Listen to her speech, did she not speak on REALITY!

Lauryn Hill - Reality Education

Lauryn Hill is one of the greatest artist to me. She was able to education my generation. I remember when I was in high school she just released her solo album entitled, 'The Miseducation Of Lauryn Hill.'
The album cover design was a very creative piece. It was an old wooden desk with the pencil holder and engraved was her self portrait. Her expression was as if she was seeking a higher understanding of what she had been taught all her life. I know for me it was like she had just realized that she had been miseducated.
The message she delivered in her lyrics was an eye opening REALITY to the black youth at that time. The whole scenario of the album was a black male teacher educating his students allowing them to think for themselves, you know use your brain. Her message was so subliminal that if you weren't listening for it, you still got educated.
Did you listen to the album, if so was it a REALITY check?
Post a comment and let me know what you thought of the album.
Reality of the matter is that every young black woman should own a copy of this album!