Often as Black women we are made to feel smaller, unworthy, or ashamed of our bodies and self-conscious about the way we show up in the world. People love to steal our ideas, brilliance and shine but to all the negativity and hate out there, I say – you can try to imitate but you cannot replicate. Though society tries to sell the image that anything associated with Black bodies is “ghetto” or “unprofessional”, Black people are the originators of cool, trend-setting and avant-garde fashion – even when we are not credited for our inventions.

Authentic confidence comes from within and showing up as your beautiful Black self is the highest definition of beauty, class and style. We have every right to rock bold lipsticks, wear tighter fit clothing (without being inherently sexualized), experiment with different patterns and textures and live our best lives – OUTLOUD.

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. The most policed person in the World is the Black young girl.

Young Black girls all over the world are often policed by strangers, neighbors, church members, teachers, and their own families. Black girls are policed on how to do their hair, what to wear, and their weight. We are never given the option to exist freely. There is always a system in place to remind us to be “humble”. We have to be humbled by those for being confident and lacking the confidence that they wish they had.

For as long as I can remember there was always an adult, whether it was in church or at school, that felt the need to humble me. This wasn’t discipline, this was attacking my confidence and reminding me that no matter where I wanted to find joy, I always had to shrink myself to be welcomed.

As a Black woman, slicked down edges make me feel powerful! I’m absolutely, unapologetically, proud of that fact! Now, I am a true black hair enthusiast! I enjoy black women enjoying their black hair in ANY way they see fit. Even if that means loving your hair in a manipulated state. Be it afros, coils, bundles, braids, or my favorite: a nice, powerful, slicked-up ponytail. You know the kind that's raised up high to the sky and sassy as hell! It’s mind-boggling to me that in this era of embracing our hair textures and differences that there are women still shaming others about how they enjoy their hair. You can be a beautiful black queen who embraces her hair and decide to wear it in manipulated states. In our new world full of "love your natural hair" somehow we got lost in the fact that you should be able to enjoy your hair in any state that you prefer. Duality, baby! The best part about my powerful pony, is my edges! Some may say "Girl, you are in your 30's! WHY are you still worried about baby hairs?!” Well, let’s just call these grown folk follicles then, OK?! My edges a.k.a. baby cares a.k.a. slides swoops are the razzle-dazzle to my look.

But liberal racists look nothing like that these days. They smile at you with big, bright, and seemingly accepting eyes. They wear the same hoop earrings, Frenchbraids, and Obama bumper sticker as you do. They call you presumptively endearing names like bro or sis when feeling a little spicy... They say please and thank you in docile tones...afraid of rustling feathers. They come into your communities as “well doers'', “missionaries “and “fixers”. They look at you uneasy and adjust themselves when you enter a space that they thought was safe and was away from you. ​

Last week, I had to explain to my mom that I do not date because I am invisible.

When I think about her shows, I become especially concerned at the stereotypes that Black women are put into. In the media, Black women are often typecast into specific roles, and unfortunately, Shonda Rhimes’ shows are no exception.

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. The most policed person in the World is the Black young girl.

Young Black girls all over the world are often policed by strangers, neighbors, church members, teachers, and their own families. Black girls are policed on how to do their hair, what to wear, and their weight. We are never given the option to exist freely. There is always a system in place to remind us to be “humble”. We have to be humbled by those for being confident and lacking the confidence that they wish they had.

For as long as I can remember there was always an adult, whether it was in church or at school, that felt the need to humble me. This wasn’t discipline, this was attacking my confidence and reminding me that no matter where I wanted to find joy, I always had to shrink myself to be welcomed.

Colorism is not a relic of the past, but a penchant in our present. The Schaumburg Library is hosting an exhibit called the "Colorism Project: Looking Outside the Paper Bag" to bring more attention to societies ideals around beauty. Ashley A Jones is the artist in residence

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. The most policed person in the World is the Black young girl.

Young Black girls all over the world are often policed by strangers, neighbors, church members, teachers, and their own families. Black girls are policed on how to do their hair, what to wear, and their weight. We are never given the option to exist freely. There is always a system in place to remind us to be “humble”. We have to be humbled by those for being confident and lacking the confidence that they wish they had.

For as long as I can remember there was always an adult, whether it was in church or at school, that felt the need to humble me. This wasn’t discipline, this was attacking my confidence and reminding me that no matter where I wanted to find joy, I always had to shrink myself to be welcomed.

Colorism isn’t a new topic nor a new issue within the Black Community. Colorism is truly an international problem as lighter skin is almost universally valued among all racial groups. It is, simply defined by Alice Walker, the “prejudicial or preferential treatment of same-race people based solely on their color.”

Yall, in case you missed it our girl is finally out from under the gorilla glue helmet thanks to Dr. Michael Obeng who did the pro bono surgery to help her out. If you have been living under a rock, Tessica Brown took to TikTok not talk about the cuteness of her hairstyle and how she achieved the look, perso, but was instead talking about her style, laid to the gawds was a product of gorilla glue and had been her style (of not her choice) for well over a month!

Even in the wake of the verdict from Breonna Taylor’s murder, I am still left with the thought that white women remain the most dangerous to me.

Boundless think pieces and commentary has been made about the racist acts, seemingly aided by equally racist cops, in the trespass and raiding of the capitol earlier this week.

I had to really think about why I have been so profoundly hurt and upset by Beyoncé's, Amanda Seales’, Tracee Ellis Ross’ and [insert light skinned woman’s name here] of the world.

Watching the documentary Skin on Netflix was such a personal experience in some ways and so removed in others.

Colorism, like sexism, like racism, is UNIDIRECTIONAL. It is what happens to folk darker than a brown paper bag.

Police brutality and Karen's karening, at its root, is a sexuality issue.