By: Jenay Wright – “The most disrespected person in America is the black woman. The most unprotected person in America is the black woman. The most neglected person in America is the black woman.”

Malcolm X

I want to be clear and very transparent that what Black women in America went through is something that can never be taken away. We have been enslaved, oppressed, humiliated, hung, killed, raped, beat and so much more. Through many tribulations that have occurred, it has molded the powerful wave of Black women that we see today. It is vital to note that embracing your blackness is important but also recognizing women who were always Black-faced harder oppression.

Being a Black woman is not a trend and it isn’t something people should do for clout. Mavelyn the Executive Admin, The Afro- Latin Diaspora does an amazing job of educating those on the importance of utilizing their privilege and platform. Preferably toward some lighter skin women and their voice in supporting darker skinned women. Her unapologetic vibe and her voice are extremely needed in the Afro-Latinx community.

As we know Afro-Latinx comes in different shades and has different textures of hair. Yes, being Afro-Latinx is reclaiming your roots and embracing your blackness. Hence, there are some Afro-Latinas that have lighter skin and softer texture hair.

But when colorism comes to play, darker skinned women will always have it harder than the rest, that is just how is. Not taking away the experiences many lighter skin women have gone through.

I want this post to teach Blackness is not something that should be embraced out of convenience. Being a Black woman is not easy and still to this day is a constant struggle. We have to work extra hard than many other people to get where we need to be.

I can talk about our presence in politics, mainstream media, science, professional world, music, radio and I can go on and on. We have leaders like Michelle Obama, Beyoncé, and Maxine Walters carrying the essence of Black womanhood all in different ways.

But we still have a long way to go.

In an article from Black Women’s Health Imperative (BWHI), made a great example walking in the shoes of a Black woman.

 “The burden of being a Black woman in America gets heavy. It gets hard. It gets old. And it takes its toll on the health and well-being of Black women.  Imagine, your day starting out with joy and excitement over spending the afternoon on the golf course, exploring wine country with sister-friends or making your way toward a wonderful new opportunity only to have it end with insult, humiliation or death, stated on the BWHI website.”

The affect of these experiences does stick with us forever as president of BWHI, Linda Goler Blount said. The impact never will be erased and as the article is titled bearing the burden of a Black woman. This truly resonates with me and that is why I decided to write this article.

To have to fight just to be respected, appreciated and celebrated is the hardest thing.

To be the most neglected woman in America, I am asking to respect the Black woman and the experience.

Thank you for reading and please let me know your thoughts in the comment section below.