(Source: Jacksonville Free Press)
By Lequita Brooks, LCSW, MSW | Do you, Boo! No one is going to save you! This is my sentiment today and has been my mantra of being a professional Black Woman living in America.
Validating what I already know simply puts lighter fluid on the flame of frustration of always being required to be better than others in certain environments and even in my own communities being required to “be in the right click” is equally aggravating as a non-conformist, free-spirited, creative, independent critical thinker and writer that loathes being put in boxes.
I am truly a gluten for punishment when I decided to watch Wicked after reading multiple Black Women Social Workers and Therapists’ rave reviews on LinkedIn and Facebook feeds.
If I’m being honest, Wicked was not on my movie to-do list. I wasn’t moved to see another Oz and musicals aren’t my go-to.
Now, Gladiator II is more of my speed, I loved it, and I highly recommend it.
Like most people, I had to see what the hype was about, especially, after reading Grachelle Sherburne-White’s, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Facebook post and her overall takeaway, “This is a prime example on the big screen of why we’re tired and want to focus on saving ourselves, self-care and resting”.
A few key things she mentioned in her content I could relate to:
(1) Being seen as less than and treated as such because of the color of her green skin.
(2) Having “black girl magic” inside you that others use for themselves but never give you acknowledgment or credit for.
(3) To THINK you have an allyship with someone else, but they stab you in the back for their own wants and desires despite what’s best for the collective.
The unfortunate reality, like most Black Women, I’ve experienced all three of these on multiple occasions whether it was during my tenure at the Department of Veterans Affairs as a Social Worker or along my social entrepreneurial journey.
The issue still remains present whether it’s reality or a mental block from past experiences that continue to stay rent-free in my mind or my perception of the world.
I refuse to be a victim and I choose to view things through the lens as no one is going to save me and no one is going to save you either.
Now more than ever, it is imperative for us to take ownership of our lives, careers, and businesses to ensure our fate is not dictated by an outside force.
Do you, Boo!
Let’s see how we can help one another make an even greater impact!
