I was 12 years old when my father referred to me as a queen. At the time, I didn't acknowledge it and internalize it as I should have.
For most of my life, I was raised around mexicans and cacausians. I had never expierienced my own. I wasn't taught by environment to cherish myself, my skin or my femininity. For years I was made fun of for my size, for my hair and my bronzed skin. I believe I had always accepted lower than who I am because nobody else in my environment taught me or made me feel like the queen that I am.
Coming to a historically black university instilled the idea of me being a queen and has boosted my confidence in ways unimaginable. There is no better feeling in the world than to be around others who look like you and are doing just as good as you. BUT, there is an aspect of being a black woman in American going to an HBCU that people miss. Sometimes, even our own don't recognize our power. I live in an area called the Atlanta University Center, comprised of three historically black colleges or universities. It's sad to say, in a community In which we should help bring each other up, most times we are bringing each other down. My sisters at Spelman college often degrade woman of CAU and my brothers at Morehouse refer to us as BITCHES.
But, as crazy as it sounds; I have grown to take pride in have being called a bitch.
Yes. I am a BITCH. I guess I can say that I'm a queen BITCH. I am one inspirationally strong BITCH. I am a BITCH with knowledge and wisdom that was a little too much for you. I am THAT BITCH.
Of course, I had to do some self reflection and figure out WHY I had been called a bitch. I came to the conclusion that people hate a female that knows what she wants, when she wants it, how she wants it and when she wants it. I am a very confidant woman and that intimidates some of those I come in touch with. Now, don't think I have it confused. I know the difference in being a bitch and being a WOMAN. A WOMAN posses the knowledge to distnguish what she wants and respectfully convey her message. Now, I look at this and can't help but feel so proud of myself for growing to love myself so much to realize my worth.
I type all of this to say, ladies and gentleman: Take pride in your own. Watch how you treat others. Watch what you say because words can truly hurt just as much as a punch to the face. There are REAL problems that we HAVE to face and fix within our community in order to succeed. Learn yourself, love yourself and respect yourself.