You may write me down in history. With your bitter, twisted lies, you may tread me in the very dirt. But still, like dust, I’ll rise.
Maya Angelou
Do you remember how you felt the first time you heard Maya Angelou’s Still I Rise? What About Phenomenal Woman? I can tell you- I felt empowered, seen, and represented.
That’s exactly how I felt when I heard Maya Angelou become the first Black woman to appear on a US quarter. “Finally,” I said to myself. Black Women are finally being recognized for the fantastic work they do.
But then I thought about the women, like you and me, working tirelessly day in and day night to still be heard, seen, and represented.
The everyday women, working 9 to 5 and a 5 to midnight to make their dreams and someone else’s come true. The women who don’t always feel phenomenal.
The women are constantly empowering others and struggle with empowering themselves.
Let the new quarter serve as a symbol of what this year will be for us all. 2022 is Coined OUR TIME.
- Our time to shine.
- Our time for self-care.
- Our time to be comfortable in our skin.
- Our time to be Phenomenal.
Despite what the first week of the year may have brought you. Or what 2021 showed you, remember these words:
Leaving behind nights of terror and fear. I rise Into a daybreak that’s wondrously clear. I rise. Bringing the gifts that my ancestors gave, I am the dream… I rise.
Maya ANGELOU
Strut Note:
Maya Angelou didn’t know the impact she would have. She couldn’t have imagined now being on a quarter. She just continued working, using her words and believing in herself.
- Do the same.
- #Keepstruttin’
xo, E.