As a black woman, I recognized myself in the Jan. 23 front-page article “Peeling back the labels.” I have wondered about the dreams and struggles of black women, especially those of my family and friends, and their collective outcomes. Although many of our beginnings were humble, some of us were able to transcend the obstacles and excel. Those of us who seemed more privileged were not always the ones to move forward. Many seemed to settle as they accepted the limitations imposed by outside forces. However, some of us were determined to forge ahead even though the process was slow and tedious.
We were not taught that men would find and rescue us; however, we yearned for love and the extended family, especially love. We are very human in that way, but we adjust when we find that romantic dream elusive. Our careers have not become more important than our families. We just do what we must. For many of us, trusting God has been our salvation; yet we know how Christ lived and died. We understand trials and tribulations as integral parts of our existence.
After 72 years, I hope that a well-adjusted black woman has emerged from the struggles of my past. I continue to embrace the notion of making a contribution to other women, regardless of ethnicity, and to society as a whole. All evidence indicates that I’m not alone in this.
Anita Merritt Jones, Gaithersburg
●
Thank you for the gorgeous picture featuring three generations of black women; it felt great not to be invisible. One of the most pernicious observations was that black women perceive that others think they’re not so smart. All my black female friends have stories of humiliating and covert questions about credentials and authority. Women as accomplished as Michelle Obama, Gwen Ifill and Condoleezza Rice constantly face stereotypical assertions and inquiries. Often invisible in executive suites, black women must authorize our own empowerment and value. We are expected to succeed while encumbered by sexism, racism, exclusion and isolation. It is up to us to provide support to each other.
Jatrice Martel Gaiter, Alexandria
The writer is a founding board member of the National Coalition of 100 Black Women and vice chair of the Black Women’s Health Imperative.
Loading...
Comments