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I Am From Women….
By Vince Pierson

I am from Women who, since my birth, made my protection their mission – and I didn’t make it easy.

I am from the jaws of a system that feeds on black men; like my father, and many others, who made the choice to be absent.

I am from Women forced to figure parenthood out all alone; balancing education, a career, and managing a home.

I am from Women who sacrifice without question, or praise, for their loves ones.

I am from a place where the role models didn’t have the same anatomy as the boys they raised; and in every aspect of their lives they were overworked and underpaid.

I am from Women pouring into me from many different levels; my mother, sister, peers, colleagues, aunties, cousins – all revealed a love so uniquely special.

I am from Women of all ages, and all shades, teaching me the definition of beauty and strength.

I am from Women so strong and determined that it’s taken for granted; we admire the flowers that grow, but ignore the roots that were planted.

I am from Women being told they’re great workers; but not deserving of the C-Suite. “By Them”

I am from Women being told they’re great mothers; but not deserving of a damn ring. “By Us”

Shame…

I am from the blood, sweat and tears of Black Women – I mean literally the blood, sweat and tears of Black Women; blood shed as a reminder of what her black sons should never be; Sweat dripping as evidence of the work she’d do to care for me; Tears soaking her pillow at the thought of failing as a mother. Where I am from makes it impossible not to let her know I love her.

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