writing

Health Vs. Black Women

Health Stereotypes Surrounding Black Women

Black Superwoman Syndrome: Let's Unpack This.

As a West African woman living in present day America, it’s safe to say that I am faced with this notion of Black women being emotionless and are therefore rendered inherently strong. The problem with that harmful stereotype is of course that generations upon generations of Black women pass down this burden of strength, masking it as a family heirloom. We consistently have to put up this impenetrable facade so we can be seen as extraordinary in a system that is not only not built for us, but is built against us. It is important to acknowledge the intersection between mental health and maternal health crises affecting Black mothers and babies. Personally, with being a Black girl at a Predominantly White Institution, I constantly find myself in a battle with the fear of failure and Imposter Syndrome. I find myself downplaying all the things I’ve achieved even when all the odds were against me. Now, I recognize the value in mistakes and the importance of combating Black Superwoman Syndrome. That being said, there needs to be more of an emphasis on self care and sisterhood when it comes to Black women. Black women deserve to be chosen first, cherished, adored, pampered and loved just like other women. I see firsthand how that manifests in my mother who even though she birthed six girls and is a nurse, still finds herself at the crossroads of self deprecation and pity. She feels as though she is forced to live a life of mediocrity when in reality, she deserves the world. Showing Black women in luxury is an essential aspect of representation as it proves to young Black girls across the world that they can achieve and they deserve it. Black women deserve to participate in the finer things, living their lives carefree and away from dysfunction. I’ve always had a knack for neuroscience which is why I want to be a neurosurgeon, but I also want to represent the women in my community who don’t see people like them in the medical field. Medical racism ranges from unethical medical studies with Black patients to underrepresentation of medical symptoms on Black and non-white skin tones. I want to be an agent of change and that starts with taking care of myself and telling myself that I deserve every good thing that is coming my way. I hope you all find the time to do the same.

Bronx, NY

7/29/20

Mariam Fofana

http://austintalks.org/2018/09/mental-health-should-be-the-foundation-of-black-agenda/

Black Lives Matter | Black women | mental health | writing