It’s our time to reclaim Black femininity | Opinion

This image of Black women as emotionally invulnerable has a profound impact on our relationships and our sense of self. It teaches that we must put our needs last, that vulnerability is a weakness, and that to be human is to be inauthentic. 

Yet, this narrative ignores the truth: Black women, like all women, possess multifaceted identities that include strength and vulnerability, power and tenderness, resilience and fragility. We are not defined by one trait alone; our humanity is far more complex.

The need for nuance

As we continue to evolve, we must work toward a more nuanced understanding of Black femininity—one that honors both our strength and our vulnerability. Acknowledging the full spectrum of Black womanhood doesn’t diminish our power; it enhances it. Strength and softness are not mutually exclusive; they coexist in a way that is deeply empowering. We are not weak because we cry. We are not fragile because we ask for help. We are not any less powerful for admitting we are struggling.

Embracing vulnerability can lead to healing. A study from the University of Michigan found that emotional expression — especially in supportive environments — can significantly reduce stress and improve overall well-being. When Black women are encouraged to express their vulnerabilities without judgment, we not only create space for healing but also for deeper, more authentic connections with each other and with the world around us.

Moving forward

Reclaiming Black femininity means rejecting the harmful stereotypes that have been thrust upon us and replacing them with a fuller, more honest understanding of who we are. It means acknowledging that we are both warriors and nurturers, survivors and dreamers, strong and soft. It means giving ourselves the grace to exist as we are—whole, complex, and unapologetic.

The next time someone calls a Black woman “strong,” let us remember that strength doesn’t mean invulnerability. It means having the courage to face adversity, to rise despite setbacks, and to honor the full spectrum of our humanity, including the parts that are soft, fragile, and needing care. In embracing this duality, we allow ourselves and others to experience the true power of Black womanhood — one that is rich in strength, vulnerability, and everything in between.