Sis, Aren't You Tired?
Black women have long faced social programming and expectations to be strong, stoic pillars of support in their communities. The "Strong Black Woman" archetype holds black women to standards of self-reliance, emotional resilience, and caretaking, often to their own detriment. This programming starts early, with black girls receiving messages that they must be independent, hard-working overachievers. But always exuding strength and downplaying struggle has costs.
As black feminist scholar Tamara Winfrey-Harris wrote, black women are human, not superhuman. The pressures to constantly buck up, cope with stress and trauma alone, and minimize pain lead to adverse health effects. Researchers find black women have higher rates of conditions like hypertension and anxiety resulting from chronic stress linked to social determinants and emotional strain.
Sis, aren't you tired of shouldering it all silently just to struggle in private? It's time to unlearn cultural conditioning urging black women to be infinitely strong for everyone but themselves. We must normalize asking for help, acknowledging vulnerability and practicing self-care. It's not weak to prioritize your well-being. You are worthy of rest.
Black women, give yourself permission to be human. Say no without guilt. Set boundaries and take time for you. Share your feelings with loved ones. Seek counseling when needed. Let go of perfectionism and "have it all" myths. Sis, your health and inner peace matter. Don't suffer in silence. Reduce people-pleasing and speaks up about injustice, even at personal cost. Your life is too important to burn out striving to meet unrealistic standards.
Sis, share your burdens and accept support. Cultivate community and safe spaces where you can be open, express emotions, and embrace your full humanity. Challenge limiting beliefs and societal constraints. End the stigma of asking for help when tired. Take pride in self-care, not just caring for others. Shed perfectionism and be gentle with yourself, recognizing your intrinsic worth. Black women's resilience is beautiful, but true strength means honoring your needs. You deserve to live freely, unencumbered by external expectations.
Sis, rest and renew your spirit. You are enough.
