“A diamond is a chunk of coal that did well under pressure.” ~Henry Kissinger
Do you know that black girls are born into this world under pressure? There is pressure to choose between hairstyles to look “normal,” not to talk loudly to avoid being called angry, and to select the appropriate clothes to cover curves and avoid adultification. The pressure to “just be included” sets in.
I think of black girls entering the world under pressure and relate it to black diamonds. Of course, many people do not mind being under pressure. But what happens when pressure is not a choice? Does it automatically make diamonds? I think so, especially for young black girls. Such pressure at a young age helps them immediately tune into themselves and the world around them.
It may seem that the pressure is creating a black girl, like carbon… who doesn’t attract everyone. Natural hair may cause her to be excluded, and loud talking may make her angry; fitted clothing may reveal a body in which she’s immediately categorized as an adult. But under all this pressure, a diamond is created. She begins to understand what it feels like to build herself up.
Unfortunately, black girls must grow and bloom at the same time. Yet, they have an innate ability to shine through it all. It is impossible to go through tremendous pressure and not shine brighter. As a result, they are diamonds built for life. Yet, like the symbolism of the black diamond, the pressure for black girls includes sorrow and pain. Even though they are passionate, creative, and have the strength to endure, sadness can easily overshadow them as they are trending through the pressure of becoming valuable diamonds—notably, black diamonds.
As we know, all diamonds are made of carbon. However, unlike crystal diamonds, black diamonds are black due to fractures and mineral inclusions of graphite. There is a significant presence of flaws that are pitch black. As a result, a very fragile, unique gem is created. From a metaphysical perspective, the black girl is much like the black diamond. She has fractured herself along the way, and they often develop flaws. Because of all the negativity she encounters in society, she is fragile (graphite). Yet, she grows into this scarce gem whose beauty intensifies the mood of all who meets her.
I challenge you to eradicate the negative talk and build up black girls when they can’t find the positive in it all. Encourage them to…Slay What Ya Hear! Remind them that something rare and valuable will come from all the fractures!
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