Navigating Black Womanhood

The journey and life of a black woman in America is an experience that’s hard for me to describe. Hard to describe but forever felt and never lost on me but the words? The words do get lost.  Navigating the realms of building a life, business, and wealth alone, feels like an impossible task. My vulnerability is my voice and it also scares me sometimes to be my most vulnerable. I don't have it all together. What you’ll always see is me working and trying to plant seeds with as many people as possible, to encourage them to be their best selves, their most authentic selves. The authentic truth about life is that it fluctuates and its up and down and just like you I experience hard times that try their best to take me out. 

Building a life alone often means lacking the foundational guidance needed to navigate the complexities of adulthood successfully. Issues such as financial literacy, career guidance, and educational support are disproportionately unavailable to black women, leading to a greater burden in figuring out these aspects independently. This lack of early support can perpetuate cycles of disadvantage, making the climb toward success steeper.

To me, building a life means curating the experiences you want to have and putting yourself

in positions that feel fulfilling and satisfactory. To curate the life you want you need tools, and money is an important tool in life and a capitalist society.

One of the prominent challenges I face in my life is the persistent struggle against the impact of inflation. The rising cost of living amplifies the difficulties in building a stable financial foundation. From basic necessities to entrepreneurial pursuits, the economic landscape demands an extra layer of perseverance. The struggle to not only make ends

meet but to also accumulate wealth becomes an uphill battle, with inflation eroding the purchasing power of hard-earned dollars.

Let's add personal black family dynamics to the large and impossible rat race that is inflation and hustle culture.

The dynamics of black families played a pivotal role in shaping the trajectory of this black woman's life. Unfortunately, historical and systemic issues have often disrupted the traditional familial structure. The absence of a strong family support system can leave black women navigating their journeys alone, without the safety net that many others may take for granted. This absence, coupled with economic disparities, puts additional strain on the path to success. 

Are you starting to see the picture I’m painting? With the lack of proper support, and economic disparities already making an impact we then factor in the sheer lack of personal, local and widespread representation in the many avenues you can take in life. 

In various fields, from corporate boardrooms to entrepreneurial ventures, the absence of diverse voices hinders the establishment of role models and mentors. The scarcity of representation makes it difficult for young black women to envision and pursue opportunities that align with their aspirations.

Breaking through these barriers requires not only resilience but also a determination to forge paths where there were none before. Is forging the issue? Absolutely not, it is making the journey alone, and being expected to reach the same level of success at the same or quicker pace than white counterparts and peers, who have been raised with more support and come from families with more financial stability. 

Amidst the challenges, the pillars of gratitude, self-belief, and faith have been instrumental in holding me as a  black woman together on my journey. Gratitude serves as a powerful tool for perspective, helping to focus on the positives amid the struggles. Self-belief, a testament to personal strength, becomes the driving force to overcome obstacles. Faith in God provides solace and guidance, instilling the resilience needed to weather the storms of life.

Each day becomes a testament to my unyielding spirit, despite facing systemic challenges,  to rise above adversity. The journey is not just about personal success; it's about breaking barriers, challenging stereotypes, and paving the way for future generations.

In the face of adversity, black women often find solace and strength in the pursuit of their purpose. The drive to make a difference, to contribute to positive change, becomes a powerful motivator. The realization that their journey is not just about personal success but also about opening doors for others imbues each step with greater significance. 

In conclusion, the challenges of building a life, business, and wealth alone in America as a black woman in 2024 are undeniably arduous. However, the resilience born out of these challenges, coupled with gratitude, self-belief, and faith in God, serves as a testament to the indomitable spirit that propels black women forward. As they break barriers, shatter ceilings, and redefine possibilities, the narrative evolves from one of struggle to one of triumph and inspiration.