From hair troubles to blatant racism, growing up as a black girl in Southern West Virginia is no joke. Many of us are constantly looked over and underestimated not only because we're black but also because we're girls. It often takes going away to other places and seeing black women portrayed in a different light for us to understand our true worth and brilliance. Getting to that point is a wild and not so wonderful road.
Not Having Access To The Latest Hair Supplies
Although we may not have a beauty supply store on every corner like most places, we still find a way to slay. Whether that means ordering what we need from other places or rocking our natural do's, we make it happen.
Being Told By Black Guys That They Prefer White Girls
We've all heard this at least once growing up in WV. The only exception to this rule is being "mixed" or "lightskin". The saddest part about this is that most young men with this logic are often raised by black women. It's devastating to know that they don't even see the worth of a black woman within their mothers. It breaks my heart to know that this could all be a domino effect caused by black mothers not valuing themselves.
Being Told By White Guys That They Aren't Allowed to Date You
I can't recall how many times from elementary to high school I was told, "You're pretty but my mom/dad said I'm not allowed to have a crush on black girls". Just another blow that makes us wonder what's so bad about being a black girl.
Being Asked If You Tan
Yes, I've been asked if I tan as though my sun-kissed melanin doesn't speak for itself.
Having Your Natural Hair Referred To As "Nappy" or "Unruly"
Keep in mind that it's all about perms in Southern WV. Very few black girls see the beauty in their natural hair because we are often ridiculed for wearing it that way (Even by some family members). Wear your hair natural to class if you want to. I guarantee you fellow black classmates are there waiting to eat you alive along with your white classmates who cant wait to ask if they can touch your hair.
Hearing The N-Word Get Tossed Around By Your White Friends... A Lot.
I think our white friends feel like they reach a level of comfort with us that makes this okay but it never will be. It doesn't make us closer to you. It doesn't make us think you're cool. Just don't.
The Awkwardness of Slavery Coming Up In Class
Who could forget being one of the only black people in class when the topic of slavery comes up and everyone turns around and looks at you.
"You're Pretty... For A Black Girl"
In my case, the term used was "colored girl". I'm not pretty FOR a black girl. I'm pretty BECAUSE I'm a black girl.
Going Other Places And Being In Awe Of Other Black Women
It only takes one trip out of the state to realize that this way of living is not normal. Going to predominately black places and seeing the level of respect and admiration people in other places have for black women is truly eye-opening. You start to realize just how beautiful we are. You're ecstatic to see that there really is something magical about being a black girl. You're angry that this is something that's been hidden from you. Most importantly, you feel inspired to prove everyone from Southern West Virginia wrong about black girls.
