Surround yourself with only people who are going to lift you higher.
Oprah Winfrey
We often set aside the month of March to celebrate and acknowledge the accomplishments of women, both the sung and unsung sheroes in history, culture and innovation. I particularly enjoy taking the time to pay homage to the women of color scholars and activist who have inspired me and my writing over the years: Audre Lorde, Zora Neal Hurston, Toni Morrison, Chandra Mohanty, Gloria Anzaldúa, June Jordan, Abena Busia, Minna Salami and Marielle Franco—just to name a few. And while I may never meet them in person, in their words I find solace, love, I find peace. Their messages nourish my mind and meditations so that I, too, can do good works with the hope of inspiring the change I want to see in the world.
Equally as important to me, too, is celebrating the sisterhood I have with the “everyday” women in my life and how we “show up” for one another. When we celebrate our accomplishments with a warm embrace, bottles of bubbly and pyrex containers of good food (because it’s your diet’s cheat day); know when to lend an ear or shoulder and just “listen” without judgement and be present; and realize when to give sage advice (really, call you out on your mess) or tell a ratchet-tale that will undoubtedly bring a few hardy laughs, side stomach cramps and tears of joy.
As both an only child and a self-proclaimed introvert, I have learned to truly value the importance of a sisterhood as I have gotten older. Not so much because I’m a bit of a loner (who is always in her own head) but because I am a wife, mother, and a woman of color who endures despite the many hats I must wear and the obligations I must fulfill.
It is wonderful to allow your sisters into your life, to help you and for you to help them. To have women in your life who are family—not necessarily your relatives, because genetics don’t necessarily make you family (you’re just biologically related). I’m talking about family or “fam-fam:” the women who love you, your faults and all; women you can trust and will empower you (as well as remind you) to be your best self and to live your best life.
With that, one of the women in my sisterhood Jaronda Miller Bryant and I thought it would be fitting to launch our TuesdaysTea: A Podcast this month in celebration of sisterhood and storytelling. Each episode and guest hosts will reflect the many ways women, particularly women of color uplift, inspire and celebrate one another—not just for the month of March but always.
Can’t wait for you to join us in our sisterhood! #TuesdaysTea