Marie Bashengezi, ’26
What was it Aretha Franklin said? R-E-S-P-E-C-T find out what it means to me. Let me quickly tell you what it’s not. It is not catcalling or salivating when I pass, or placing me in a line saying that you’d smash.
Yes, Black women are undeniably physically beautiful in all forms, shapes, and sizes. However, we are beyond our physical features. True beauty lies inside the heart, mind, and soul. True beauty is when our eyes gleam when given the chance to speak our minds. True beauty is the sound of our contagious laughter. True beauty is when we sing our hearts out to Doo Wop (That Thing) by Lauryn Hill. True beauty is who we are.
Dear Black Girl,
Who are you?
“I am an intellectual, who yet wants to be known for more than her mind… her kindness, her curiosity, her affinity for more”-Reagan Ballard’ 26
“I am an ambitious, creative, and independent young woman who is working to turn her dreams into reality”-Madison McCrea’26
So, Black Girls of UNC and beyond,
We are more than what is displayed in the media. We are not hoochie mamas, mammies, or whatever outlandish and derogatory terms the media has attached to us. We are not property or objects that can be owned. We are not toys for boys to throw away when they’re bored.
We are not chocolate drops or exotic creatures to add to a hit list. We are creative, elegant, and poised. We are the blueprint and inspiration, imitated but never duplicated. Black women are powerful beings that take over any room with our melanated skin that shines and glows under the warm rays of the sun. But our true charm lies beyond skin deep.
So, Black Girl, whether you’re young or old, big or small, remember who you are.
