Cousins United: Embracing Our Shared Strength Amidst Challenge
Hello Cousins,
I’ve decided that our crew’s affectionate name will be “cousins.” It feels right because, somewhere along the DNA trail, we must all be related. Recently, there’s been so much discussion about who is Black and what Blackness means, especially since Vice President Harris announced her candidacy for President.
Rather than let anger take hold, I’ve chosen to reframe us as one big, beautiful family of many cultures. I’m tired of being upset, so I’m opting for a different path.
Within this questioning, the conversation often touches on misogyny, anti-Blackness, and racism. These heavy topics can be overwhelming and take a toll on our mental well-being. The beauty of our community is that we lead with our hearts, but it’s also essential that we protect those hearts.
Now more than ever, it’s important to amp up your self-care, whatever that looks like for you. For me, I deleted my social media apps for three days, and it was wonderful. Social media can be triggering, especially if there’s a lot of negativity on your timeline. Since I run a podcast and an online consulting company, social media is part of my job, but I’ve learned to make adjustments. Scheduling posts in advance has helped me tremendously.
Political seasons get heavy, and everyone has an opinion and perspective. That’s okay. But it’s also okay not to engage in every conversation or respond on social media.
As Black women and women of color, we’re hearing more and more opinions about who we are and what we contribute. Some say everything, some say nothing, but we know who we are and what we add to this society and to places around the world.
Today, I was reminded of Maya Angelou’s poem, “Phenomenal Woman,” and I wanted to share it with you. No matter how the world views you, your mirror reflects a phenomenal woman.
Take a moment this week to read this poem to yourself in the mirror, pray for protection, and stand in grace.
We have an opportunity to make history, but we must ensure we’re here to enjoy it.
Sending you lots of joy,
Monica Wisdom
Phenomenal Woman
Pretty women wonder where my secret lies.
I’m not cute or built to suit a fashion model’s size
But when I start to tell them,
They think I’m telling lies.
I say,
It’s in the reach of my arms
The span of my hips,
The stride of my step,
The curl of my lips.
I’m a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That’s me.
I walk into a room
Just as cool as you please,
And to a man,
The fellows stand or
Fall down on their knees.
Then they swarm around me,
A hive of honey bees.
I say,
It’s the fire in my eyes,
And the flash of my teeth,
The swing in my waist,
And the joy in my feet.
I’m a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That’s me.
Men themselves have wondered
What they see in me.
They try so much
But they can’t touch
My inner mystery.
When I try to show them
They say they still can’t see.
I say,
It’s in the arch of my back,
The sun of my smile,
The ride of my breasts,
The grace of my style.
I’m a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That’s me.
Now you understand
Just why my head’s not bowed.
I don’t shout or jump about
Or have to talk real loud.
When you see me passing
It ought to make you proud.
I say,
It’s in the click of my heels,
The bend of my hair,
The palm of my hand,
The need of my care,
‘Cause I’m a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That’s me.
