Diamond

This weekend, our eldest granddaughter, Davianna, turned 11 years old. I’ve watched her grow in physical resemblance to her mother and father, while also developing her personality.

She’s smart, kind, sensitive, playful, creative, curious, and pretty.

I want her to experience everything life has to offer. Yet, I know society can play games with black females. For example, here are some microaggressions I’ve heard - They say, “You’re too aggressive,” I say, “No, I’m confident.” They say, “You seem angry.” I say, “No, I'm focused.”  Black women expereince this and unfortunately some of our girls experience it too; but they shouldn’t have to.

As social media, advertising, and technology create messaging that makes us feel inadequate, girls cannot handle this noise. They are GIRLS and we should allow them to be just that. I aim to counter this messaging for young Black girls in my family, church, work, and other relationships.

To my daughters, grandchildren, nieces, cousins, and all the young black girls in my sphere, YOU ARE ENOUGH. YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL, GIFTED DIAMONDS. I pray I always speak words of wisdom and positivity that uplift and encourage you.

I dedicate this poem to Davianna.  I love you.

Peace

DIAMOND

I see you, girl. Doing what you do.

Engaging life with your chin up.

Not giving a damn who stares at you.

If you do, it doesn't show.

Entering a room, you don’t walk, you flow.

Heads turn with each step; you glow.

Shine bright like a diamond, you go!

A sight to behold, you smile and don’t gloat.

You look easy and light, you feel alright.

Seeing you from afar is one who feels blue.

A little girl believes in society's myths. Is this true?

Believing she was ignorant and ugly. She didn’t have a clue.

You help her to grasp the dreams in her purview.

Watching closely, she yearns to be like you-

Unafraid to uncover her light, not allowing it to be subdued.

“You’re perfect in symmetry, no flaws and pure clarity,” you say.

Those words lift the weight of society's false labels swiftly away.

Accepting your affirming words, that little girl now believes,

The abundant life of her dreams is within reach.

Observing from a distance, “Shine bright like a diamond, little one,” you say

Through a smile with gratitude, the little girl excitedly exclaims, “Okay.” 

Me, Davianna and her sister, Amaya