As a Black woman writing these words, I am humbled and empowered by the lineage to which I belong—a lineage of extraordinary strength, courage, and visionary leadership. We are the daughters of a history rich with the spirit of liberation, our stories woven into the very fabric of movements that have pushed humanity toward the light of freedom, democracy, and collective liberation. Our hands have rocked the cradles of revolutions and our voices have sung the anthems of change. This is our legacy—past, present, and future.
From Roots Deep in Struggle: The Ancestral Blueprint
Our narrative of resistance is as old as the transatlantic slave trade, with valiant foremothers who refused to accept the chains of bondage. Consider Harriet Tubman, a figure of mythic courage, who did not stop at her own liberation but forged a pathway to freedom for hundreds of others. Sojourner Truth wielded the weapon of her words against the dual oppressions faced by Black women, standing tall in a society that sought to diminish her stature with the resonating question, "Ain't I a Woman?"
These ancestors laid the blueprint for the relentless pursuit of justice, their lessons carried through generations. The civil rights era saw this blueprint in action with figures like Rosa Parks, whose strategic defiance sparked the Montgomery Bus Boycott. It was Ella Baker, however, who often worked away from the limelight, preaching and practicing the power of grassroots movements and collective leadership—principles that continue to guide us today.
The Contemporary Chapter: Our Unfinished Symphony
In today’s chapter of our ongoing struggle, Black women have not only maintained their position at the forefront but have also redefined leadership in movements for social justice. We see ourselves reflected in the powerhouse activism of the Black Lives Matter movement, pioneered by three brilliant women—Alicia Garza, Patrisse Cullors, and Opal Tometi—who have amplified our collective cry against systemic injustices.
We are breaking barriers in political spheres, as exemplified by the historic ascent of Kamala Harris and the transformative groundwork laid by Stacey Abrams, who has redefined what it means to protect and fight for our right to vote.
We Lead in Multiplicity
Our leadership takes on many forms—through the spoken and written word, in the quiet planning rooms of grassroots campaigns, on the bustling streets of protests, and in the hallowed halls of institutions. Our thought leaders, like bell hooks and Angela Davis, dissect systems of oppression with a scalpel of intellect and insight. Our artists and storytellers, like Ava DuVernay and Beyoncé, craft narratives that challenge, inspire, and mobilize.
Our Intersectional Power
Living at the intersection of race, gender, and often class, we, Black women, carry within us a unique alchemy of wisdom and resilience. Our struggles are complex, our battles many-layered, and it is through navigating this multifaceted existence that we have honed our strength and our strategies for liberation.
The Path Forward
The baton has been passed to us, and we are running our leg of the race with the same determination and hope as the giants who ran before us. As my big sis, Ashley Shelton, ED of Power Coalition for Equity and Justice would say, "RUN ME ALL MY POWER!" Our quest for freedom and justice is not of the past but a vivid, unfolding saga.
In honoring the pivotal role of Black women in this fight, we do more than correct history. We fuel it. We ensure that the eternal flame of progress, guarded and nurtured by Black women, burns brighter with each passing moment.
We are not just the backbone; we are the heart, the soul, and the very breath of the movement for freedom. Our narrative is ongoing, our contributions immeasurable, and our place in the story of liberation is assured. We stand, we fight, we lead—not for recognition, but because the spirit of freedom runs deep in our blood. We are the legacy, and we are the architects of a future where every last chain is broken.
Anneshia Hardy | The Hardy Exchange