April 5th 2024.
Dr. Stacey Patton wrote about a common practice in America: forcing Black women to be humble. It's something that has been happening for years and it's not right. Unfortunately, this pressure to be humble is something that a lot of people hate LSU basketball star Angel Reese for. They despise her for not succumbing to societal expectations and instead, embracing her own magnificence.
Maya Angelou, a well-known poet, talked about this issue in her famous poem, "Still I Rise." In this poem, she asked a series of rhetorical questions to those who harbor resentment towards Black women who refuse to be broken by society. Let's take a moment to read some of her powerful lines together:
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Dr. Stacey Patton shares her thoughts on the societal practice of forcing humility upon Black women, a practice that has been prevalent in America. This is evident in the hate directed towards Angel Reese, a talented basketball player from LSU, who refuses to conform to societal pressures and remain humble. Maya Angelou, a renowned poet, had addressed this issue in her famous poem "Still I Rise" forty-five years ago, where she asked thought-provoking questions to those who resent Black women who celebrate their own magnificence.
Let us take a moment to read and reflect on these powerful lines together. Angelou's questions serve as a bold challenge to anyone who tries to diminish the spirit of Black women, urging them to confront their own biases, insecurities, and projections. She also prompts people to question why the confidence, defiance, and self-love of Black women are seen as offensive.
The words of "Still I Rise" have been echoing in my mind as I observe the vitriol directed towards Angel Reese, once again. Despite being a college basketball superstar, her unapologetic assertion of beauty, confidence, sassiness, resilience, and greatness are being met with hate from those who take pleasure in her recent defeat and post-game tears. It is disheartening to see that her success and confidence are seen as a threat by some, while it should be celebrated and admired.
Angelou's poem continues to be relevant today, as we witness the continued pressure on Black women to remain humble and conform to societal expectations. But it also serves as a reminder to embrace our own greatness and not let anyone dim our light. Let us all rise above the hate and celebrate the beauty, strength, and resilience of Black women.
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