Strong Black Woman (SBW)

So many of us call ourselves by this name, this label we wear with more pride than our individual achievements in life, what most of our mothers and grandmothers and foremothers were, Strong Black Woman, something every one of strives to be and something I refuse to be, because it's just another trick, we think it empowers us, and maybe for some it really does, but actually it takes away from us, from our humanity, Strong Black Women are not selfish, nor weak, not dependent on others for anything no matter what, they don't need your help, they are the pillar of strength and beacon of light to get you through your darkest times, the toughest tempests, they can handle any heart ache, loss, struggle, amount of work or overwork, underappreciation and ingratitude from anybody because it comes with the praise of being a Strong Black Woman, but when have you really thought about these women? their sacrifices and struggles yes, but what about the impact of them? what about them? their fear, their insecurity, sense of loss, what scars the sacrifices left, inner turmoil? what if they had regrets? what about their lost dreams? what about them as human beings who need support? who need to live their life for them? there is something so freeing in being weak, to be able to ask for help and not giving up your life for others and a title, to be selfish and live for you, so don't fall for the trick and let this define you, your life is not about sacrifices for others, its about you and you are more than your gender and race, so be selfish, be flawed, revel in both your weakness and your strength and say, I am not a Strong Black Woman, I am me and I am Human