Black women possess a distinct strength, versatility and boundless beauty. Our natural hair, our melanated skin, our full lips and bodies, and our unique style, are just a few of the beautiful and unique characteristics that set us apart. The world takes inspiration from our glorious magic and boundless creativity in ways to infinite to count…but we’ll try.

Here are 10 Reasons why blackness is, was, and will continue to be beautiful: 

1. Our Creativity 

Black women are trendsetters in beauty, fashion, and entertainment. Our talent and ingenuity continues to create groundbreaking technology from women like Gladys West ,amazing art from women like Kara Walker, and unique business opportunities like Lisa Price, while showcasing our brilliance and creativity.

2. Our Melanin

This melanin is truly magic. The melanocytes, located just below the outer surface of our skin, create a buoyant, youthful glow and give us an extra bit of protection from the sun’s damaging rays. Our skin makes us shine, just look at women like Angela Bassett and Jada Pinkett Smith. Relish in it!

3. Our Strength

Though the stereotype of the strong black woman has been harmful in many ways, the truth is that our legacy has honed a certain fortitude. From women like Michelle Obama to activist Tamika Mallory, we stand strong in the face of adversity. This is not to say that we should deny or suppress our vulnerabilities, but there is nothing shameful in owning our strength and using it to our advantage. It is a HUGE advantage!

4. Our Political Power

We know our worth and won’t be convinced to settle for anything less. With fierce determination, black women like Rosa Parks, Harriet Tubman, and Anita Hill refused to be silenced or relegated to second class. Today, we are showing up at the polls, running for office, and demanding our rightful seat on our throne.

5. Our Intuition

Our survival has hinged on our gut instinct letting us know when to trust, when to be guarded, when to move forward and when to be still. Women like Solange are totally in tune with who they are and what they can do, because they know what they want. Follow your intuition and watch the magic unfold.

6. Our Fierceness

Black women have an intangible swag that just can’t be taught or bought. From the runway, to the school campus, to the beauty shop, we rock our individuality with style and finesse. Icons like Naomi Campbell and Beyonce are just a few examples of people who exemplify how fierce black women truly can be.

7. Our Faith

Our faith is more than just cerebral, philosophical or theoretical, it is REAL. Our narratives are laced with miraculous just-in-the-nick-of-time narratives of supernatural feats. When we give ourselves permission to apply this power toward purpose, nothing is impossible. Women like Oprah help to keep us grounded by sharing the wisdom on how to stay connected with the world, our souls and the “all” in which we are surrounded by.

8. Our Joy

#BlackJoy is a revolutionary act. Our ability to tap into our interior reserve of humor despite circumstance is unparalleled. This is why sisterhood is so important. It nourishes us with love from women who look like us, share the same struggles and know how the importance of their support to help solve them.  

9. Our Empathy 

Our ability to understand and share the struggles of others never ceases to amaze.  Our collective empathy, compassion and protective instincts are unparalleled. As mothers, daughters and family caretakers, we worry not only about our daily lives but those of the children who surround us and are born into a world that doesn’t always see their worth. Our love and empathy, in turn, helps to support those we know who need it.

10. Our Versatility 

Black women can find our flow in any situation, circumstance. Our ability to flex and adapt to our surroundings is a huge asset. From changing up our hairstyles as often as Rihanna to mastering different skills like comedienne and actress Amanda Seales, black women are truly unstoppable.

Brought to you by P&G, My Black is Beautiful.