Hey friends!
Over the last few years, and particularly the last few months, I have been umm-ing and ahh-ing about what it means to be white-passing (but in fact biracial) in a mostly white community, when I show up in Black-focused spaces. With the starting of this blog, where we will explore all of the intricacies of what it means to be a purpose-driven female leader, I've decided to use this platform to explore this. I can't wait to dive into this topic with you but real talk: it's gonna be messy, it's gonna be vulnerable, and I have no idea where it's gonna go. Grab a cozy seat, make a warm drink, and let's have a heart-to-heart about racial identity and belonging.
In this ongoing blog series, aptly named "Am I _____ Enough?", we'll embark on a journey together. As purpose-driven female leaders, we know that understanding ourselves and our place in the world is essential to making a positive impact in our communities. And that starts with embracing every aspect of who we are.
So, here's the deal: I'm a white-passing biracial woman, born to a Black Jamaican mom and a white dad. But here's the twist: my appearance screams "white" to the outside world. It's like I'm embodying a real-life superhero disguise, effortlessly blending into "white spaces" with the other part of me often unnoticed by white folks. But the beauty of it all is that within the Black community, there's an unquestionable recognition of my Blackness. In white spaces, people see the colour of my skin. In Black spaces, they see the coarseness of my blonde hair, the shape of my round nose, the proportions of my small waist and ROTUND behind. In white spaces, there is merely BLACK and there is WHITE, but in Black spaces, there is a recognition that Black is a never-ending spectrum and that identity can exist across endless shades.
This duality has gifted me with unique experiences, challenges, and questions surrounding how to show up authentically and respectfully in Black spaces. You know what? It's something I've grappled with for years but I've never really said anything. I've always felt like the privilege I have as someone who has never had to wonder if the colour of my skin is holding me back, meant that I wasn't ALLOWED to identify this way or even explore it.
I've questioned if I'm "Black enough" to fully belong, if my experiences aligned with those of other Black people, or other people of colour, or other people who were never quite "_____ Enough" and how to navigate the intricate tapestry of my own identity.
But you know what I've come to realize? These questions aren't mine alone. Many incredible women find themselves in a similar boat. This blog series will be a safe space for us to explore, reflect, and grow together. We'll spark conversations, share personal stories, and take unfiltered, messy deep dives into the multifaceted nature of identity. I hope to delve deep into my own brain, interview other female leaders of colour, and get honed in on the intersectionality of it all.
One of the reasons I'm so passionate about this ongoing series is that it aligns perfectly with our mission to empower purpose-driven female leaders. By exploring into the depths of our own identities, we equip ourselves with the tools and understanding needed to be more inclusive and better serve our communities.
Now, let me be clear – I'm not claiming to have all the answers. Nope, not even close. What I do have, though, is an unwavering commitment to learn and grow. I'm pulling back the curtain on my own experiences, vulnerabilities, and triumphs, hoping that they resonate with you and offer a sense of connection and support.
So friends, are you ready? Ready to explore the intricacies of being white-passing in Black spaces? Ready to challenge preconceived notions and have those difficult, but oh-so-necessary conversations? Ready to explore the many, many ways that women have to ask if they are enough? I know I sure am. I hope in the coming months, I'll find strength, inspiration, and a shared sense of purpose.
Together, we can create a more inclusive and empowering world for every woman.
Until next time,
Abigail
PS: I was feeling all kinds of feelings about this last week but I decided to show up in full force at the Black History Month Celebration at our local size-inclusive boutique, Kurvy Kouture . Check out my little video recap below.
(DON'T JUDGE, this whole Reels things is hard and confusing and i'm learning!)