The Evidence Points to Black Girl Magic…
Black women represent the fastest growing group of entrepreneurs.
Black women are one of the most educated groups in the United States.
Black women have the highest labor force participation compared to other women, even if they are moms.
Black women are indeed in the words of Maya Angelou, “phenomenal”.
Power. Influence. Supernatural force.
Magic is defined by Oxford Languages as “the power of apparently influencing the course of events by using mysterious or supernatural forces." Yes, that sounds like us. We have influenced the course of events by surviving generational wounds. We wear our magic proudly. Many of us have been given the talk that we have had to be twice as fast, twice as smart, twice as whatever to make it in this world. We have internalized it and it has yielded great benefits like the achievements stated above. We are the epitome of “making it happen” by “hook or crook.” Our magic shows up in the vibe of our culture, how we raise our children, how we set goals and smash them, and how we do it all with style and grace.
Black Girl Magic is a term of endearment. A badge of excellence. It is the highest compliment!
However, defining Black Girl Magic must be renegotiated. Excellence must not be confused with perfection. And magic doesn’t mean that one needs to be more than enough. So how are you already magical? Using the definition, how are you already powerful, influential, or a supernatural force? I’m sure you are defying logic everyday as you balance multiple priorities: work, home, bills, children, pets, parents, family members, girlfriends and the list goes on and on.
There is a special gift endowed to Black women. I can see it now more than ever. I see it in the woman that gets her children to school clean and fed every morning, or when I watch Beyonce belt out her song “Alive.” I see it in clients as they learn to show up for themselves and the excitement that comes with that discovery. I see it in myself as I pursue things that are foreign but I pursue them anyway. The Magic is NOT perfection. The Magic is that we stumble but don’t give up. The Magic is in the tenacity. The Magic is in the growth.
So let’s be Black Girl Magic, remembering to extend ourselves grace, allow room for error and still see ourselves as worthy, and lastly give ourselves permission to pursue excellence without perfection.
Go be Black Girl Magic!