Be Strong and Courageous

Strength and Courage

Strength and courage are not always applauded in women. For African American women in particular, these virtues often feel like silent expectations—required by societal demands yet undervalued in the broader cultural narrative. We are called to be pillars of strength in our families, communities, and workplaces, while simultaneously being discouraged from boldly claiming and proclaiming these qualities as part of our identity. Strength and courage manifest in many forms, often shaped by the unique challenges we face.

Many Forms of Expression

Sometimes, they look like speaking up in a room where your voice has historically been silenced. Other times, they mean rising before dawn to provide for a family, despite personal struggles. They may appear in the quiet resolve to heal from generational trauma or the audacity to dream in spaces where your presence has been deemed improbable. Society frequently misinterprets or minimizes our strength, labeling it as aggression or coldness, while our courage is dismissed as defiance. This dichotomy forces many women to downplay their resilience to fit into preconceived molds of femininity.

Gifts to be Applauded

But the truth is, our strength and courage are not liabilities—they are gifts. These gifts allow us to navigate and overcome systemic barriers, fight for justice, and create opportunities where none existed. They inspire others, providing a blueprint for perseverance and hope. Yet, to sustain this strength and courage, we must also embrace vulnerability and self-care.

Need to Replenish and Recharge

Being strong and courageous does not mean carrying every burden alone; it means knowing when to lean on others, rest, and replenish. In claiming our strength and courage unapologetically, we redefine what it means to be powerful. We create space for others to do the same.

Embrace Your Power

By embracing the multifaceted nature of these virtues, we shatter stereotypes and affirm that being strong and courageous is not only a necessity but also a divine calling. Let us step boldly into our power, unafraid to inspire and transform the world around us.