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The atrocities of 1619 are still affecting us as Black women today. Despite being beaten, raped and treated inhumanely, our ancestors paved the way for us. But as Black women, we are still experiencing the residual effects from 401 years ago. These discriminations prevented us from focusing on our mental, emotional and physical health. Therefore, it is time for us, my sisters, to acknowledge these oppressive forces, and at the same time focus on our health.

In what follows, I will share with you how we can redefine strength through the oppressive forces we face.

I am a Black Caribbean woman in a graduate program at a Predominantly White Institution(PWI) who also attended a Historically Black College and University (HBCU). I embodied the "strong Black woman" (SBW) and "superwoman" (SW) stereotypes, and did not prioritize my holistic wellbeing. However, that changed in October 2019 when I decided to redefine strength and prioritized my health.

Shanalee Gallimore, M.S.

Writing since February 2022 · 1 story contributed