I have something to say.

The fact this is still a topic is mindblowing and infuriating. Why is it that we're not seen as human? Why are we still struggling to be heard? Why are our voices being ignored? Every day I see or hear a story about how a black woman was ignored by her physician or healthcare provider.

Black women are not allowed to be seen as victims. For as long as we can remember, there has been a stigma that black women have to be strong no matter what. Being seen as weak is unacceptable. Playing the role of the damsel in distress? Out of the question. Why can't we be victims of the crimes that were committed against us? Or maybe this is a topic for all women in general. Victim shaming/blaming.

"She wanted it to happen."

"She was asking for it."

"You can't leave him, he's taking care of you."

"What did you do?"

"What were you wearing?"

You've been violated in more ways than one. A black woman. A warrior. A fighter. Never one to be seen as weak. A piece of flesh on melanated skin. You don't have feelings or needs. Be seen but not heard.

Being a black woman is hard. We encounter everyday trials and must endure all kinds of obstacles. We're strong, independent, resilient, passionate… Simply put, there are hundreds of adjectives I could use to describe black women. We're one of a kind. There is, however, one word that is not allowed to be used when talking about a black woman. That word being VICTIM. No, we're taught to be strong and to always push through. We're told to stay intact and not allow society to see us crack. Why? Because we have too much to lose, and not enough to gain from being labeled as weak and feeble. The damsel in distress is not a role for the African-American female.

But, when I use the term victim, I mean when the innocence of a little black girl is taken away because of wandering eyes and probing hands. I mean when the sense of security is snatched away from a young black woman because she happens to have fuller breasts and a "fat" behind. I mean when a black woman is publicly humiliated because some guy thought he had the right to VIOLATE her because he took her to dinner and mistook her flirting as an invitation of wanting more. Consent is not given when a woman drinks, flirts, kisses, or dresses in an appealing way.

We live in a society that allows the victim-shaming of black women. The excuse being: she's grown, look at that body, she's almost ready. Puberty has become permission for a man to touch a woman. It clears the conscious of others and puts the victim at fault. There's so much more to be said. There's so much more to be done.

Women's rights? Is that a thing?

Are Black women part of that movement?

Why are we not part of the argument?

Why are we forgotten?

Looked down at as lesser than?

Who are you to say my skin makes me less qualified?

My hips birth nations.

My breast feed millions.

My blood has shed, fed the earth

My soul weeps, yearns to be heard.

My skin does not make me less than a woman.

I too am a victim.

No, I am not weak. No, I am not weak.

But I too hurt.

I want to be heard not pitied.