What do you *really* mean when you say "women of color"? 💁
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#WednesdayWisdom
"I have no choice over it; in the first place, to me we are the most beautiful creatures in the whole world, black people. And I mean that in every sense, outside and inside." — Nina Simone
Morning Musings
I've been having conversations with friends and coworkers alike lately about women of color and Black women, especially in light of Sunday's Super Bowl halftime show starring international Latinx artists Jennifer Lopez and Shakira.
Per usual, I have a lot of thoughts (many of which are shared with the author of this piece for Harper's Bazaar), but the prevailing one is about how people often use the phrase "women of color" and "Black women" interchangeably. Spoiler alert: They are not the same.
The best crash course on this I've read thus far is my writer friend (in my head) Brooklyn White's essay for HelloGiggles. "Using 'women of color' terminology instead of saying 'Black' shows how Black women and our unique experiences are minimized," she wrote.
It's a common occurrence. While rewatching Homecoming for the upteenth time this weekend, I remembered how Queen Bey distinctly said in the middle of her iconic performance: "Thank you for allowing me to be the first Black woman to headline Coachella ... ain't that about a bitch." (Some) Media outlets the next day? "Beyoncé first woman of color to headline Coachella." That's ... not what she said. Not at all. Not even close.
A similar instance has happened at The Wing (where, yes, I am a member, and have noted my concerns ). Late last year, in an effort to apologize for a racist incident at their West Hollywood location, the co-founders sent an email to members that referred to the Black woman who'd been harassed by a white woman as a "woman of color." And as recent as last week, reference was made to a Black Members' Brunch was referred to as "the women of color brunch."
Look, people, it's okay to say Black. I identify as Black. I am a Black woman. But I get it ... back in my overly "politically correct" days, I used to shy away from "Black" opting for the more "palatable" phrase "woman of color."
Coming from a storied Black publication at the time, I didn't want to be pigeonholed as "the Black writer," as in "she can only write about Black stuff." And I wanted to appeal to a wide, mainstream audience in terms of growing my blog and my brand.
I can safely say now that I am 100% unapologetically Black. And, if that somehow makes you uncomfortable, well ...
I share this to say people and their ideologies can evolve over time. As Maya Angelou said, "Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better."
When referring to a mixed group of non-white women, yes, that is a group of women of color. When referring to a group of Black women, that is a group of Black women, fam. Simple as that.
Love,
L'Oreal
IRL
March 20: Girl Behind the Hustle Book Club. Join me and Girl Behind the Hustle founder Lu'Cretia Thomas for an evening of mingling and meditation as we discuss Shonda Rhimes' bestseller, Year of Yes.
Links I Love
1. What No One Tells Black Women About Fibroids. As some of you know, I had a myomectomy back in 2017 to remove nearly 20 uterine fibroids. I'd been suffering for more than a year with super heavy periods and struggled to find doctors who would listen and take my symptoms seriously. This is why I'm so grateful for Evette Dionne's in-depth article into this crisis. (ZORA)
2. Janelle Monáe's Afrofuture. Roxane Gay interviewed Janelle Monáe. That's it. That's the description. (The Cut)
3. On TikTok, Black Girls Find Visibility -- And Racist Hate. Another day, another example of the everyday racism Black women often face out here on these interwebs. (Bitch Media)
My Latest Obsession
A few years ago, I purchased the "Phenomenal Woman" t-shirt from the Phenomenal Woman Action Campaign. The brand, inspired by Maya Angelou's "Phenomenal Woman" poem, is a "female-powered organization that brings awareness to social causes."
Since then, they've expanded their line to include an "identity collection," so of course I had to have the Phenomenally Black tee, too. Proceeds benefit Black Futures Lab, which "works with Black people to build Black political power." And if you really want to learn more about the organization, read my interview with its principal, Alicia Garza, for ZORA.
Now Hiring
Web Editor for the Poetry Foundation
Manager of Marketing & Storytelling for Girls for Gender Equity
Creative Designer for Career Contessa
Immigration Campaign Director for Moms Rising
Manager of Editorial Content for Discovery Education
Writer/Editor for Bumble
Social Media Manager for Girls Who Code
Community Navigator Coordinator for HANA Center
Special Events Manager for Gucci
Culture Change Fund Manager for the Women's Foundation of California
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