This article comes from a place of deep love, reflection, and hope. It’s not easy to write, but it feels necessary. Recently, I’ve witnessed troubling and unsupportive behavior from women who look just like us. This reality is heartbreaking, especially for me, someone who believes so deeply in women’s empowerment and the unmatched beauty of sisterhood.
We Share So Much More Than We Know
As Black women, we share the unique and challenging experiences of being overlooked, underestimated, and excluded. We’ve been bypassed for jobs, promotions, scholarships, relationships, and opportunities that we’ve worked tirelessly to deserve. We’ve faced judgment and discrimination from those who don’t understand our strength or see our full humanity.
These struggles aren’t just ours—they’re ancestral. Our history as Black women includes centuries of being intentionally divided. During slavery, women who shared the same bloodline were separated, friendships were discouraged, and relationships were weaponized to create chaos and distrust. This was by design—to weaken us, to break us, and to ensure that we would never see how powerful we could be when united.
But sisters, we know better. We are better.
Our Strength Lies in Unity
We are so much stronger and better when we work together. There is nothing we cannot achieve when we lift each other up. Whether it’s through words of encouragement, acts of kindness, or simply choosing to see each other with compassion, every step toward unity strengthens us individually and collectively.
When we treat each other poorly, we allow the divisions of our past to win. We allow those who doubted our greatness to continue controlling our narrative. But when we empower each other, we rewrite the story—not just for us, but for every Black girl watching us, hoping to see what sisterhood looks like in action.
How We Can Move Forward Together?
Here are a few ways we can start building bridges instead of walls:
- Approach Difficult Situations with Grace:
- When faced with conflict, take a breath before responding. Consider the other person’s perspective and intentions. Ask questions instead of assuming the worst.
- Speak with Respect:
- Words have power. Even in disagreement, we can maintain our dignity and honor the humanity of the person we’re speaking to. Say what you mean, but say it with kindness.
- Practice Accountability:
- If we hurt one another, let’s have the courage to apologize. If someone points out a mistake, listen without defensiveness. Accountability strengthens relationships.
- Choose Generosity Over Judgment:
- We never know what battles someone else is fighting. A kind word or a smile can make a world of difference. Assume good intentions and choose generosity over judgment.
- Remember Our Shared History and Legacy:
- When disagreements arise, remind yourself of the incredible strength of Black women throughout history. We’ve faced so much together and survived because of our resilience and unity.
A Call to Sisterhood
This article isn’t about placing blame. It’s about creating a space for reflection, growth, and healing. Let’s commit to treating each other better—not just for ourselves, but for the generations who will follow us. Let’s remember that we are daughters of women who endured unimaginable hardships and still found ways to love, laugh, and thrive.
Sisters, we don’t have to compete; instead, let us complete one another. There is room for all of us to succeed. Let’s rise above the divisions of our past and build a future rooted in love, respect, and collaboration.
With hope and love,
Savannah Mitchell