In my experience, Black women are some of the most loyal, giving, supportive people you’ll ever meet. Generally, we’re some of the first to show up to champion other people’s fights and causes. Unfortunately, we’ve rarely received the same support when we need help. As I’ve previously stated, that unheard cry for help is what ultimately motivated me to launch Nzuri Noire. Sure, most Black women tend to be strong by nature (to be clear, we’re not a monolith), but that doesn’t mean we don’t need or want support. So, how can you help? I’m glad you asked. Here are seven ways you can support other Black women (or, if you’re not a Black woman, here’s how you can support Black women). What’s even better – all of these suggestions are free99.
Pay a Genuine Compliment
One way to support Black women is to pay a genuine compliment. Who doesn’t like a compliment? A compliment can go a long way when, unfortunately, you’re use to hearing bad and negative comments.
Lend a Hand, When You Can
Another way to support Black women is to lend a hand, when you can. Lending a hand doesn’t have to be anything major either. It can be as simple as holding a door when you see her wresting with a bunch of bags and a toddler or offering to get an item off the top shelf, at the grocery store, so she doesn’t have to make like Spiderman and scale the shelves to get it. These might seem like small gestures, but trust me, they’ll be much appreciated.
Ask Her About Her Feelings and Actually Listen and Care
How many Black women are the go-to person for their family members, friends, work colleagues and significant others when it comes to hearing about their issues and feelings? Now, how many of these same women have someone willing to do the same for them? Let me give you a hint – it ain’t even. A simple, “Hey, how are you feeling today,” and actually listening can go a long way in supporting Black women. And it costs you nothing.
Clap For Her Wins
Another way to support Black women is to clap for their wins. Everybody wants to be celebrated when they have a win. Black women are no different. So when you see Sis winning, clap for her. Celebrating someone else doesn’t dim your light one bit, I promise.
Share Useful Information
Sharing useful information is another way to support Black women. If you have useful information that you think would be of benefit to other Black women, share it. Don’t presume they already know. As the saying goes, sharing is caring.
Have Her Back
Having her back is yet another way to support another Black woman. Now, when I say have her back, I’m not talking about situations where Sis is dead wrong. I’m talking about situations where Sis needs help because she’s being disrespected, treated unfairly or just needs support. There’s nothing worse than being attacked and not having anyone to stand beside you. When you see a sister in need of help, have her back. You’d want someone to do the same for you.
Show Some Compassion
Whew chile, when I tell you it’s hard out here in these social media streets, I mean it. I can’t tell you the countless times I’ve seen people show zero mercy for the plight of Black women on these here internets. Honestly, it’s downright disheartening. Please don’t be one of these keyboard gangsters, jumping in to pile it on. Instead, show some compassion. If you find yourself needing to comment, do so with some empathy and compassion.
How do you show support to Black women?