Sisterhood Over Shade: Breaking Barriers Among Black Women

As Black women, we face unique challenges. Often, these struggles start early in childhood. Jealousy, competition, and divisions can take root as early as elementary school. Whether it’s rooted in something as trivial as skin tone light skin versus dark skin or who receives more attention, these early experiences can shape how we relate to one another as adults.

Many of us have faced bullying for reasons beyond our control: being the girl the boys liked, dressing a little better, or simply standing out. These actions often stem from jealousy and insecurities that shouldn’t exist, but unfortunately, they persist. The hope is always that as we grow older, these behaviors will fade. But too often, they follow us into adulthood.

Even now, as grown women, we see these issues manifest in subtle and overt ways. While the rise of women empowerment movements is inspiring, we cannot ignore the lingering realities of colorism, featurism, and texturism within our community. The unfairness of these divisions is deeply felt. Whether it’s fair skin versus dark skin or assumptions about biracial women, these biases continue to separate us.

It doesn’t have to be this way. Our diversity as Black women our many shades, features, and textures is one of our greatest strengths. It is a beauty that should unite us, not divide us. Instead of allowing petty competition or societal biases to dictate our relationships, we must choose to build each other up.

As Black women, we are already at the bottom of the social ladder. We carry so much on our shoulders, from systemic oppression to societal expectations. But imagine how much lighter that load would be if we helped each other, supported one another, and worked together toward a common goal.

We have the power to create real change not just for ourselves, but for generations to come. By uniting as sisters, we can make the world better and more just. Our strength lies in our solidarity.

Let’s make the commitment to uplift one another, to celebrate each other’s successes, and to see our differences as assets, not threats. We need each other. I need you. You need me. Together, we can push forward. Together, we can thrive.

Pray Until Something Happens (P.U.S.H.) with Janay

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