Black Women Should Be Unapologetic
From Shrinking To Shining: Inside The Panel That Reinforced Black Women’s Right To Take Up Space
Why do Black women apologize for simply taking up space? We casually throw around the phrase showing up “unapologetic,” but we rarely talk about why so many Black women feel the need to shrink themselves at times.
On a gloomy day in New Orleans (NOLA), a handful of determined Black women gathered in a quaint coffee shop to initiate an in-depth movement centered around the perplexing question many Black women have grappled with: Why do Black women shrink themselves to make others comfortable? The “I’m Not Sorry: A Black Woman’s Guide to Being Unapologetic” panel, led by Marsha Badger of Introvert N the City, NOLA therapist Dr. Danielle Wright, and NOLA nonprofit Black Women for Self (and sponsored by SheaMoisture and Olay), dove deep into the topic—and went from a discussion to church quick.
The panel gave Black women the space to not only learn more about the origins of our “shrinking” behavior but also the guidance to begin to release the socialization that has handicapped us for years. “It was powerful to witness the impact on the women who attended,” stated Dr. Wright. “The depth of their sharing, the warmth of the space, and the collective affirmation that we don’t need to shrink ourselves or soften our truths made the event feel sacred. We cultivated a space that wasn’t just about discussion but about a movement toward healing.”
Black Women Being Apologetic Is a Stress Response
Black women often feel the need to soften their presence, shrink their voices, or over-explain their choices; this behavior is societal and cultural, according to Dr. Wright. “Based on my anecdotal data and conventional wisdom, I think it’s a stress response. We are trying to please a person who’s causing a threat to our lives. We are trying to make a plea with who is presenting the threat,”she said. The conversation continued to dissect the origins of this ingrained habit, and provided actionable strategies for shifting our inner dialogue, allowing the women from the audience to engage in meaningful dialogue.
This conversation was essential and the beginning of a movement toward Black women embracing their worth and taking up space. Black women, let’s be mindful of our tendency to apologize for our existence, wants, or needs. We deserve to live bold, healthy, colorful lives. Shining is our birthright.
- I Was Honored At The SuperMom Mission Gala With These Other Powerhouse Black Mothers
- Quinta Brunson Files For Divorce From Husband Kevin Jay Anik: Here’s What We Know
- Jonathan Majors Sheds Tears While Talking About He And Meagan Good’s Marriage
- Megan Thee Stallion’s Copper Hair Is Absolutely ‘Bonita’ In New Instagram Post
- Teyana Taylor Said What She Said, Claps Back At Divorce Commentary
