An Appeal on Women's History Month

a Liberation Social Workers perspective on dignifying the image, symbols, and experiences of Black women.

Dear Stewards of Humanity,

Black women require advocacy, safeguarding, and genuine protection...myth, fact, or conjecture?

This is not a random observation, nor is it a distant, remote issue inconsequential of contemporary awareness for societal comprehension. The legacy of American racism tells us a very interesting story about the desire for political power, social control, and economic strength through the systemic use of anti-Black persecution intermixed with a wide array of forced assimilation and ‘divide and conquer’ methodologies. In turn, every possible demographic of the Black community endured generations and generations of trauma and pain, yet, their descendants remain standing today. Fortunately for some, pain and suffering reduced, relatively so, since the period of enslavement and Jim Crow while others are still in, what seems to be a never-ending cycle of traumatization and maltreatment. The others I am referring to are none other than our civilization’s unsung heroine, the Black woman.

Findings from an NBWJI article disclosed eye-opening findings about the trauma, abuse, and adversities Black women are unfairly exposed to from childhood to adulthood. From child abuse to intimate partner violence and subsequent incarceration, the embattled Black woman is subjected to toxicity within parental and romantic relationships, harmful and dehumanizing behaviors, a wide range of interpersonal violence, and over-representation in the criminal legal system, just to name a few.

What is the reason that I bring this up?

Incite anger...

Invoke a spirit towards resistance...

Or perhaps, neither, and simply because we must listen to the laughs just as equally to the wails and cries of humanity - beyond racial, ethnic, gender, cultural, or religious lines.

Embodying what it means to be mentally emancipated and creatively liberated requires prioritizing truth and pursuing justice in the face of the perpetuation of inhumane circumstances. The Great Ancestor, Maya Angelou did not write “Phenomenal Woman” in vain; she too, believed, better yet knew, and understood the God-given beauty and gracefulness of the unapologetic Black woman.

Truth and justice are hallmarks of mental & creative wholeness, as a father to a Black girl and husband to a Black woman, I would be an incongruent and disingenuous being for not expressing anti-complicity to the deleterious sources of suffering and pain affecting the quality of life, health, and wellness of Black women.

In support of healing the invisible wounds of Black women, I propose to all who are earnest and watchful, regardless of your personal, professional, political, or otherwise, affiliation with Black women or champion organizations and movements, to adopt the R3 framework –

Reorient | Unlearn the false narratives and exploitative images centered around objectification, over-sexualization, and the “strong Black woman” label. Attune with the history, struggles, and unique experiences of Black women through self-development, building personal capacity, and cultural immersion.

Revitalize | Replace false narratives and exploitative images with empowering, inspirational, and dignifying materials and symbols. The unfettered truth must accurately and precisely reflect the true essence, character, and contribution of Black women to civilization.

Reaffirm | Stand in solidarity with Black women and champion organizations and movements as the fight against racism, oppressive behaviors, gender-based violence, and other deleterious forms of trauma and abuse continues – locally, nationally, and globally.

In 1962, Malcolm X, a great mental & creative liberator, and a steadfast supporter of human rights; specifically, women’s rights, delivered a powerful speech to an LA crowd, mostly filled with religious Black women, and said "The most disrespected person in America is the Black woman. The most unprotected person in America is the Black woman. The most neglected person in America is the Black woman." His profound insight from 62 years ago remains incredibly irrefutable. Unless we are proactive in our stance to Reorient our worldview, Revitalize the imagery and narratives of Black women with symbols of empowerment, and Reaffirm the worth and dignity of Black women.

In solidarity,

Kyle Toon

Mental & Creative Liberation LLC

Thinker. Writer. Advocate.

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