Through Your Eyes

Expression is necessary for growth, the access to having an open-minded audience and no control from outside forces is a priority. As women of color, rooted within you are beliefs that you must share with the world. To spread your purpose, who you truly are. 

As I've observed and experienced on my own, expressing ourselves as women comes at a cost. It comes at a cost because of the inability to be understood as a woman of color. That whichever manner we communicate to others, only a few will appreciate the effort. How it can be a struggle to open up yourself to the public and have a fear of not being heard. 

Why is it hard for women of color to express themselves? 

We live in a society that dismisses not only just women but women of color. The color of one's skin holds them back from ever being able to attempt at expressing herself. The demographics of a woman could hold her back. The inaccessibility to resources, basic necessities of life (food, education, clothing, transportation, stable income, etc) could hold her back. These are just a few reasons that reveal the struggle of expression, not including other influences from families, government, media, etc. 

For most women expression comes easily. Most are open and unapologetic, as you should be! If you can seek validation within yourself and follow your own thoughts, beliefs without allowing restrictions to hold you back then more power to you! I know that it is not as easy as it sounds, but nevertheless, you are succeeding. 

All in all, the power that a woman gains from believing in herself is the best acceptance one can ever receive. We are aware that executing expression comes in many forms, all of which enrich the soul. From forming narratives of your spirit into poetry like Maya Angelou to bringing color to a black and white world through singing like Celia Cruz. Nothing can limit you any more than yourself, open up the way for your triumphs. As you do this, lift up the women beside you who need the encouragement. As all we have is each other, love one another. 

Peace to all. 

Love, 

Yailenne