Defining Ourselves

Official Vice Presidential Portrait of Kamala Harris Government Publishing Office (GPO)

It's both laughable and sadly predictable how some question Vice President Kamala Harris's race, echoing the baseless challenges to President Obama's nationality back in 2008. Today, the narrative continues as some choose to listen to a racist bigot who doubts a Black woman's acknowledgment of her own identity, as if her Blackness—or that of any Black person—needs to be proven.

We are not a monolith. The beauty of our community lies in our diversity, not in uniformity. My identity as a Black woman shares traits with others, but my story, my voice, my path—they are uniquely mine. This is our collective strength, our tapestry of varied experiences and perspectives that enriches the fabric of our community.

In a country where race often overshadows humanity, we face the harsh reality that stereotypes still grip the minds of many. People cling to these narrow views, losing themselves and believing they are the "exception" rather than embracing the full spectrum of Blackness. It's time we break free from these outdated notions and celebrate our individuality.

I'm blessed to have been raised with the wisdom that no one defines me but me. I live my life beyond the confines others have tried to impose, knowing I don't need to prove my Blackness to anyone. This sense of self is a gift, one that I hope we can all cherish and cultivate.

I encourage each of us to delve deeply into our own identities, to understand who we are beyond the surface. Let's stop projecting our uncertainties and insecurities onto others. Instead, may we find the courage to celebrate our true selves without fear or apology.

This isn't merely about speaking up; it's about dismantling the walls of ignorance and narrow-mindedness. It's about challenging each other to look beyond the superficial and see the soul-deep stories we all carry. Let's drop the small-mindedness, the stereotypes, and the expectations.

Remember, your opinion is not fact. It is not the only one that matters. It's time to recognize the vibrant, complex realities of who we truly are. And don't just passively consume this message—let it move you to change how you view others and yourself.

Audre Lorde once said, "Difference must be not merely tolerated, but seen as a fund of necessary polarities between which our creativity can spark like a dialectic. Only then does the necessity for interdependency become unthreatening. Only within that interdependency of difference strengths, acknowledged and equal, can the power to seek new ways of being in the world generate, as well as the courage and sustenance to act where there are no charters."

We are the authors of our own stories, not footnotes in someone else's narrative. Let us rise, take control, and celebrate the diversity and strength within our community. Let this be our call to action—to stand united, embracing our unique identities, and forging a future where every voice is heard and valued.