Dear White Women: Now That We Have Your Attention, May I Have a Word?

Five Thoughts from the Heart of a Black Woman

Jeanette C. Espinoza

--

Photo: Christian Mang/Reuters

First, let me just say I’m so happy to be here. And by “here” I mean in this moment where my words are less likely to fall on deaf ears, blank stares, awkward pauses, or a genuine lack of interest.

Yes, this is how White women have received me in the past whenever I brought up issues of racial inequity in this country. But that was then and surely with the dawn of all this “wokeness” we’ve turned a corner, right?

(You don’t have to answer that — it’s totally rhetorical)

Thank you for taking the time out of your day to sit down and listen to the thoughts of a Black woman. It’s tough to find an attentive audience as a member of a group that is often rendered invisible in this society unless your name is Beyonce, Michelle, or Oprah.

(You guys think the fight for women’s rights is a job? Try adding the word “Black” in front of that and see what happens)

WARNING: Some of my thoughts may be slightly triggering, but you have my word as a woman they are not meant to be harmful. I’m here to enlighten, not offend.

Okay, are we ready? Good! Let’s get into it!

--

--

Jeanette C. Espinoza
Jeanette C. Espinoza

Written by Jeanette C. Espinoza

Mom of 2 amazing humans | Author of 3 books, including Rock Your Crown - Amazon.com| Speaker | Activist | Creator of Jeanette’s Jewels www.jeanettecespinoza.com

Responses (36)