Once upon a time, in a small village deep in the heart of Africa, a baby girl named Zuri was born. Though her name meant “beautiful,” her birth came with expectations that weighed heavy on her small shoulders. Unlike the boys in her village who were celebrated with open arms and hopes for greatness, Zuri’s future was clear: she would marry, cook, and care for her husband and children. In many ways, her dreams were irrelevant. Education, ambition, and success were words reserved for the boys, while girls like her were expected to dutifully obey.
As Zuri grew, she watched the boys head to school, while she stayed behind to help with chores. In some parts of the world, even today, girls are denied an education, with society dictating that their role is not to achieve but to serve. The very idea of a woman having dreams outside her home, of aspiring to anything beyond marriage and motherhood, is often met with disapproval. And while men in her community were free to marry as many women as they pleased, the thought of a woman being unfaithful—even when her husband strayed—was considered unforgivable. Zuri was taught that a man could roam, but a woman must remain loyal, no matter the circumstances.
The Migration Effect on Black African Women
The story of the Black African woman doesn’t end within the borders of her village. Migration has played a significant role in shaping her journey. As African women move to new lands in search of better opportunities, they often find themselves navigating worlds that see them as outsiders. While many seek new beginnings, they quickly realize that the challenges of being both Black and a woman transcend borders.
In the corporate world, Black women are often made to feel invisible. Despite working harder and longer than their counterparts, they are frequently overlooked for top roles. Their qualifications, achievements, and ambitions are dismissed, as they are reduced to mere tokens—symbols to satisfy a company’s diversity policy rather than being recognized for their true potential. They may fill positions on paper, but in boardrooms and decision-making spaces, they are often treated as though they don’t belong.
This feeling of inadequacy is compounded by the unspoken yet deeply felt pressure to work twice as hard for half the recognition. A Black woman in the corporate world is not only expected to prove herself professionally but also to maintain the grace and strength demanded of her by society. At the end of her long workday, she still goes home to cook, clean, and care for her family. No matter how high she rises in her career, the expectation that she must “manage the home” remains, as if her worth as a woman is tied to how well she fulfills these traditional roles.
The Silent Strength of Black Women
Black women are raised to be resilient. From a young age, they are taught the virtues of long-suffering and tolerance, encouraged to wear smiles that mask the injustices, pain, and discouragement they face. Even in moments of deep hurt or frustration, they are expected to endure quietly, because that’s what society expects from them. They carry the weight of not just their personal struggles, but of their communities and families, with grace and a smile.
But make no mistake, Black women are not invisible. And in recent years, they are beginning to realize the full extent of their power.
In the last decade, Black women have begun shattering the glass ceilings that once seemed impenetrable. No longer content with being relegated to the sidelines, they are claiming their space in cities across the world. They are stepping into boardrooms, leading companies, and building careers that their grandmothers could have only dreamed of. And all while raising some of the brightest, most capable children in society.
Their journey to the top has been anything but easy. They’ve faced countless obstacles, from systemic racism to gender discrimination. But instead of being defeated by these challenges, they have grown stronger, more determined, and more vocal. Slowly but surely, they are changing the narrative for Black girls around the world.
Saluting the Black Woman
As I write this piece, I want to take a moment to salute the Black women who are working day and night, raising their heads in pride and reshaping the world for future generations. You may not always be seen, but your impact is undeniable. You are raising the next generation of leaders, scholars, innovators, and changemakers. Your resilience, your strength, your unwavering determination are the cornerstones upon which future Black girls will build their dreams.
Black women may not always be recognised for their contributions, but make no mistake: you are making history every single day. You are proving, time and time again, that Black women are more than capable, that they are not only fit to lead but that they are essential in reshaping the world.
The Wholeness of a Black Woman in a Multiracial World
Once upon a time, in a small village deep in the heart of Africa, a baby girl named Zuri was born. Though her name meant “beautiful,” her birth came with expectations that weighed heavy on her small shoulders. Unlike the boys in her village who were celebrated with open arms and hopes for greatness, Zuri’s future was clear: she would marry, cook, and care for her husband and children. In many ways, her dreams were irrelevant. Education, ambition, and success were words reserved for the boys, while girls like her were expected to dutifully obey.
As Zuri grew, she watched the boys head to school, while she stayed behind to help with chores. In some parts of the world, even today, girls are denied an education, with society dictating that their role is not to achieve but to serve. The very idea of a woman having dreams outside her home, of aspiring to anything beyond marriage and motherhood, is often met with disapproval. And while men in her community were free to marry as many women as they pleased, the thought of a woman being unfaithful—even when her husband strayed—was considered unforgivable. Zuri was taught that a man could roam, but a woman must remain loyal, no matter the circumstances.
The Migration Effect on Black African Women
The story of the Black African woman doesn’t end within the borders of her village. Migration has played a significant role in shaping her journey. As African women move to new lands in search of better opportunities, they often find themselves navigating worlds that see them as outsiders. While many seek new beginnings, they quickly realize that the challenges of being both Black and a woman transcend borders.
In the corporate world, Black women are often made to feel invisible. Despite working harder and longer than their counterparts, they are frequently overlooked for top roles. Their qualifications, achievements, and ambitions are dismissed, as they are reduced to mere tokens—symbols to satisfy a company’s diversity policy rather than being recognized for their true potential. They may fill positions on paper, but in boardrooms and decision-making spaces, they are often treated as though they don’t belong.
This feeling of inadequacy is compounded by the unspoken yet deeply felt pressure to work twice as hard for half the recognition. A Black woman in the corporate world is not only expected to prove herself professionally but also to maintain the grace and strength demanded of her by society. At the end of her long workday, she still goes home to cook, clean, and care for her family. No matter how high she rises in her career, the expectation that she must “manage the home” remains, as if her worth as a woman is tied to how well she fulfills these traditional roles.
The Silent Strength of Black Women
Black women are raised to be resilient. From a young age, they are taught the virtues of long-suffering and tolerance, encouraged to wear smiles that mask the injustices, pain, and discouragement they face. Even in moments of deep hurt or frustration, they are expected to endure quietly, because that’s what society expects from them. They carry the weight of not just their personal struggles, but of their communities and families, with grace and a smile.
But make no mistake, Black women are not invisible. And in recent years, they are beginning to realize the full extent of their power.
In the last decade, Black women have begun shattering the glass ceilings that once seemed impenetrable. No longer content with being relegated to the sidelines, they are claiming their space in cities across the world. They are stepping into boardrooms, leading companies, and building careers that their grandmothers could have only dreamed of. And all while raising some of the brightest, most capable children in society.
Their journey to the top has been anything but easy. They’ve faced countless obstacles, from systemic racism to gender discrimination. But instead of being defeated by these challenges, they have grown stronger, more determined, and more vocal. Slowly but surely, they are changing the narrative for Black girls around the world.
Saluting the Black Woman
As I write this piece, I want to take a moment to salute the Black women who are working day and night, raising their heads in pride and reshaping the world for future generations. You may not always be seen, but your impact is undeniable. You are raising the next generation of leaders, scholars, innovators, and changemakers. Your resilience, your strength, your unwavering determination are the cornerstones upon which future Black girls will build their dreams.
Black women may not always be recognised for their contributions, but make no mistake: you are making history every single day. You are proving, time and time again, that Black women are more than capable, that they are not only fit to lead but that they are essential in reshaping the world.
Tag a Black woman you want to give her flowers to this Black History Month. Let her know that she is seen, appreciated, and celebrated! ✨
To all my Black sisters reading this, take your flowers. You are the embodiment of resilience and beauty, and the world is better because of you. We are not invisible. We are not second-class. We are powerful, brilliant, and capable of anything we set our minds to.
As we celebrate Black History Month, let us remember the Black girl child who, despite the odds stacked against her, will one day rule the world. She is the Zuri of her generation—a girl who dares to dream beyond her circumstances, who knows that she is whole, powerful, and destined for greatness.
To all the strong, powerful Black women in my life, this is for you: #BlackExcellence, #BlackGirlMagic, #BlackWomenInPower, #WomenOfColorInTech, #ResilientBlackWomen, #CelebratingBlackWomen, #BlackHistoryMonth, #BlackAndProud, #BlackDon’tCrack!
We are changing the narrative, and the world is watching. Let’s continue to rise, let’s continue to break down barriers, and let’s continue to hold our heads high.
Truly, Black don’t crack! 👑
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