The Seed...
Every now and again I get plagued by a single thought that refuses to go away. I may rid myself of it for a few minutes, a couple of hours, even a number of days but it always returns. Sometimes it is as a result of something I’ve seen or read and other times, in those empty moments, the thought simply reappears. After a while, I began to welcome the thought, focus on the thought, analyzed the thought until it became an idea. One that I have been having the strongest urge to share! I only wished I had the right platform in which to do so...

The Movement...
That’s when it hit me. Why should I wish and hope for someone else to give me a platform in which to express this idea when I can create one myself? What better way to give life to my idea than to build the stage on which it should stand? Do I even have what it takes to do such a thing? I realized shortly after, that this idea, this vision, this movement, is bigger than just me and it is not only vital but necessary. I know that by now some of you guys are pretty much wondering what this “idea” is. You are probably even wondering what I’m rambling on about. Well, I think it is time for me to present it...

Roar...
I am woman...Hear me ROAR! That single thought came after seeing women of color make moves in amazing ways in the last couple years. Women of color are not very well celebrated and we too have accomplished many things that are deserving of their own spotlight. I lived to see Viola Davis become the first black actress ever to win an Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series. I got to see Misty Copeland becoming the first black woman to be promoted to female principal dancer at the American Ballet Theatre. I was able to see Lupita Nyong’o’s Oscar win in 2014 and be the first ever black spokesperson for Lancôme. I am able to experience our beautiful first lady, Michelle Obama, pave the way for young women everywhere through her grace, life lessons, and her love for the community. I also have the pleasure of watching young Amandla Stenberg speak so fluently on matters that affect black culture and black women. 

Even closer to home, I am blessed to witness greatness through the gorgeous and talented Stylist/Costume Designer Ayanna James, blazing the red carpet scene with her great fashion sense and tremendous work ethic while staying true to her Caribbean heritage. Another inspiration is Issa Rae, a talented producer and actress that has blessed mainstream entertainment with hits such as “The Misadventures of an Awkward Black Girl”, “First” and “The Choir”. She is even in the process of working with HBO to pilot the ABG web series as well as several other projects. I even see the works of a very talented friend, Kadeem Stewart, where he captures not only the beauty, but the heart and soul of women of color. What a pleasure it is to see a black man spellbound by our glow, calling us by titles such as “Queens” and “Empresses” and helping to change the world view by encouraging us to “carry yourselves in the light in which you wish to radiate, be the change you wish to around you.”

Many more women of color who are kicking butt and taking names and I think it is about time that we allow ourselves to shine! Too long have we been kept by the way side and have lost our voice. We too have a say in this world, we too have story to be told, we too have the power to inspire and motivate. Let ROAR be that outlet for highlighting our successes and the forum for addressing the limitations there of. Let ROAR be that stage where we put each other on a pedestal and celebrate what makes us unique, celebrate our stories, and inspire all women of color, young and old, to not only embrace their Queendom but to experience it. Let ROAR be where we band together as women and seek to bring each other out of our shells and towards fulfilling our dreams and goals. Our skin is beautiful! Our voices etched in gold! I urge you to use this voice and join the movement. Now is the time for the world to hear us ROAR!

 

#Celebrate #Empower #Inspire #HearherROAR