The phrase "Black Girl Magic" is now a highly popular hashtag across social media. It is such a simple concept to understand, yet many people are confused, offended by or annoyed with it. #BlackGirlMagic is about celebrating the intelligence, beauty, style, strength and inspiration of black girls and women. After being kept down by systemic racism, the patriarchy and unattainable societal beauty standards, we are still able to prosper and become successful. We are magical. We are worth celebration. Still don't believe Black Girl Magic is actually a thing? Here's some proof:
1. Amandla Stenberg
Most people know her as Rue from "The Hunger Games," but really she is so much more than that. Amandla is a social activist, who's known mostly for her video entitled, "Don't Cash Crop My Cornrows," which called out cultural appropriation. Amandla uses social media to speak on race and gender issues and is fully in support of the Black Lives Matter Movement. Additionally, Amandla conceptualized her own comic book character to add diversity to comics. So yeah, pretty magical, huh? Well, Amandla also speaks about women in the STEM field and the importance of breaking down barriers in such fields.
P.S. That fro = pure magic.
2. Rihanna Fenty
Everything about Rihanna is magical. Her style, her voice, her music, her looks, her personality. Everything. Perhaps the most magical part about Rihanna is her ability to not care. About anything. Rihanna is astonishingly carefree, thus being the perfect embodiment of the phrase "carefree black girl." Also, coming from tiny Barbados to being the world's biggest pop star is nothing short of magical. Not a day goes by where Rihanna does not rep Barbados and rep it hard. Rihanna's work ethic is almost unbelievable. She has produced seven albums in the span of seven years, she has been giving her fans hit after hit, breaking all the world records. Please, somebody give Rihanna a crown. It's well-deserved.
P.S. That body = magic.
3. Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
Chimamanda is a Nigerian author who is prominently known for her novel "Americanah". She is also known for her TEDtalk, entitled "We Should All Be Feminists," being featured on Beyonce's song "Flawless." What makes Chimamanda magical is not only her captivating stories, but her activism on feminism. I read her book "Purple Hibiscus" for literature in English class in secondary school and she opened me to the world of feminism. Chimamanda's work changed me for the better. Also, TIME magazine included her on the list "The 100 Most Influential People" in 2015. So, that's some damn good magic right there.
P.S. That smile = so much magic.
4. Kesia Estwick
If you have an Instagram account or live in Barbados, you know of Kesia. If not, it is time you knew. Kesia is a Barbadian fashion designer whose designs are African-inspired and incredibly unique. Kesia wears everything she makes and everything about her is carefree, thus naturally making her magical. Kesia is essentially the person you should follow if you're looking for style or hair inspiration. Follow her here: https://www.instagram.com/kingkesia/?hl=en
P.S. That skin = more magic than you can imagine.
5. YOU
Yes, you! To all the black girls reading this, you prove every day that black girl magic is real. Continue to do you, be yourself, follow your dreams, and don't let society get you down. Every one of us is magical and we deserve any and everything our hearts desire. So, keep on being magical!
P.S. That beauty = so much magic.
