There is this thing that happens when Black people, specifically Black women, talk about our experiences and how we face varying levels of abuse, and that is the almost instant dismissal or downplaying of what we are sharing. Black women are told to rise above, set our feelings aside, and often even to not feel at all. On the other side of it, Black women are also expected to stand alongside non Black women when things affect them. We deal with a "stand with us, but you all will be fine on your own" mentality. And there needs to be a change in that.

Grab your journal and some water and be ready to sit in whatever feelings are activated, as it is very likely that you will feel activated in some way.

And remember, when you are hearing of others' experiences, believe it first, understand it later.