My People

     It was so refreshing seeing "Black Girls Rock" on BET, finally an award show where I can be proud of the artists performing and the honorees who are receiving the awards.  Jill Scott started the show off with singing "Golden", this is my theme song.  It was a great celebration of black women's beauty, intelligence, strength, courage and achievements.  The best performance of the night was by Ledisi, Jill Scott. Marsha Ambrosius, and Kelly Price who performed "Four Women" by Nina Simone.  It was such a powerful rendition of the song.  I loved that these women are true artists and have real talent who were showcased in this once in a lifetime collaboration. 
      Watching the award show I felt like I was a student of history because there were women who received awards that I did not know.  Teresa Clarke is the CEO of Africa.com, she has her J.D., M.B.A, and B.A. all from Harvard.  I loved that she is trying to change the way that Africa is viewed. Unfortunately, people think Africa is a place where all the kids are walking around starving with flies in their faces.  I have heard many stories of the beauties of Africa and by educating myself I know that there is more to Africa then what the media portrays.  The portrayal of Africa has been discussed in many of my classes at SUNY Brockport, if black people feel ashamed of Africa then they will not take pride in who they are and where they came from.  The oldest women fossils were found in Africa.  Also, many of my professors who were majority white stated that man originated from Africa.  This is the kind of information that our children should know so they can motivate themselves instead of enabling themselves. 
           Then there was Major General Marcelite Harris who did not accept the fact that women were not reaching this rank in the Air Force.  Lastly, there was Iyanla Vanzant who I have seen on television so many times.  Whenever she speaks my spirit jumps and takes notice of her words.  She did an excellent job in motivating the crowd by reminding young women that they come from greatness.  The show was a way to raise the esteem of so many black girls.  They did this by celebrating young women who were doing extraordinary things in their communities.  I love that I watched history being made.  So many girls need programs that stress to them that they are special in every way. 
        This show made me reminisce to when I was a freshman in college and we had a sister to sister event that was sponsored by one of the sororities on campus.  It was a great opportunity for people who had problems with someone to clear the air and work through those problems.  I do remember that a lot of the issues that was said I didn't have a clue because I was new to the school.  However,  I did appreciate the hosts of the event saying to look at the person next to you and say you are my sister and to promise them that you had their back.  After that event I still considered the girl next to me my sister. My sophomore year she was one of my suit mates, it's crazy how things work out.  Even though I did not say to everyone personally that they were my sister, I realized that they were my sisters.  Oftentimes, we get caught up in our own lives that we forget about our fellow sister.  But I challenge you and myself to not forget them.  I truly believe that behind every hard shell there is a pearl that is waiting to shine.  So remember black girls rock and Beverly Bond wanted to note that she isn't saying others don't rock she is saying we rock too.  Unfortunately, the media forgets about all the different types, sizes, and shades of black women.  That is why it is important to have events and programs like Black Girls Rock.  I know after watching this show it solidified my pride in my people.  Also, I hoped it showed America that black women are more than sexual objects, more than attitude and more than entertainment.  Lastly, I hoped it encouraged and reminded black people to not give up on our community.  I know I needed that reminder. So I included the performance of "Four Women", I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.  And if any men read this don't forget about your fellow brother either.