Women in Power, Empower

The title speaks for itself. I learned this phrase from a highly regarded educator who used this name for an event to inspire young women of color in the community. While I cannot take credit for the words, I can share how it resonates.

Sometimes we do not realize how many flowers we miss giving out in the flesh. By the time you realize it, it’s usually too late. I find it coincidently scary that I had just purchased Cicely Tyson’s book, only to wake up the next morning and hear the news of her passing. Rest in Power Queen!  

Although I did not know her personally, I took a step back to reflect on her legacy. Her impact, value, and how she used her platform to inspire people of color were priceless. She faced obstacles; ageism, colorism, racism, and societal pressures of black women in the entertainment industry. Despite these challenges, she leveraged agency in her roles; voicing how she wanted to be represented. Those whom she encountered along the way were blessed with her jewels of wisdom.

I perused through Ms. Tyson’s catalog. She was well respected, authentic, and never in roles that degraded her as a powerful black woman. She moved with a level of poise that it almost felt as though she was the grandmother we all never had. She was the grandmother that you would not want to disappoint. She was the grandmother that tells you to pick your face up when you did not feel your best. She was the grandmother that spent countless nights praying to keep you covered. Evident in her body of work, she embodied a level of professionalism and sincerity. Representation matters! 

The irony in her passing is as if she placed the last puzzle piece of her life‘s work by revealing a heavy burden to the world while releasing her memoir. Her final interview when she explained her sexual assault hit home. There are so many women out there who experience these traumatic atrocities and never muster up the courage or get an opportunity to heal for a variety of reasons. They take it to the grave and experience a lifetime of shame, hurt, guilt, setbacks, and much more. Thank you Mrs. Tyson for sharing your truth and being a survivor!

Not to be taken in a negative context but sometimes when you’ve done all you could, released all you could, and put in the time: spiritually emotionally, mentally, and physically; you’ve reached a level of peace beyond words. That is indeed a transition of leaving the physical body and going home. While death isn’t easy, 96 years young of life is such a blessing. Her magic will forever be empowering as her last saying, “I’ve done my best. That’s all.”

I don’t recall feeling sad but rather inspired to continue moving in my truths, sharing my story, and not carrying the burden of life. I refuse to allow any of my negative experiences to hinder my growth I too choose to be a survivor. Hence, this blog is about creatively sharing stories, discovering my voice, and working through a plethora of experiences that used to exacerbate my insecurities. No matter how big or how small I can empower others.

If you haven’t already done so, check out Cicely Tyson’s book, “Just As I Am.” This is my next read. Rest in Power, Empowered Black Queen
Ms. Cicely Tyson, these flowers belong to you. 

PS. I’m currently reading, “The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks“, another Black Queen that will never be forgotten. 

Rayne