There is a unique weight that Black
women carry in this world—a world that often overlooks our voices, dismisses
our pain, and minimizes our contributions. We are the backbone of families, the
innovators in workplaces, and the champions of social change, yet our struggles
are too often invisible. But today, I want you to know, I see you, Sis.
I see the sacrifices you make every
day, balancing career, family, and personal aspirations while fighting to be
recognized in spaces that were never designed with you in mind. I see the times
you’ve had to shrink yourself to make others comfortable, the moments you’ve
bitten your tongue when you wanted to scream, and the silent battles you’ve
fought behind closed doors. I see you, Sis.
The world expects us to be
strong—to endure, to persevere, to show up with a smile even when we are
exhausted. We carry generational trauma while simultaneously breaking
generational curses. We hold the weight of our communities on our shoulders,
often with little acknowledgment or support. And yet, through it all, we rise. I
see you, Sis.
The strength of Black women is
unmatched, but strength should not be mistaken for invincibility. Too often, we
are expected to bear burdens that would crush others. We are told to “push
through” when we are hurting, to “stay strong” when we are breaking. The
expectation of resilience should never come at the cost of our well-being. I
see you, Sis.
For too long, society has attempted
to silence us. Our ideas have been stolen, our words ignored, and our
experiences invalidated. In boardrooms, in classrooms, in media, we have had to
fight to be heard. But despite the barriers, we continue to speak, to write, to
create, and to lead. Our voices are powerful, and they deserve to be amplified.
I see you, Sis.
When we tell our stories, we
reclaim our narratives. When we share our truths, we empower the next
generation. Every testimony of struggle and triumph is a testament to our
resilience. Every time a Black woman rises, she lifts others with her. I see
you, Sis.
One of the most beautiful things
about Black womanhood is the sisterhood we share. In a world that often tries
to isolate us, we find strength in one another. Whether it’s a knowing glance
across a crowded room, a shared laugh in the midst of chaos, or a word of
encouragement when one of us is ready to give up—sisterhood is our refuge. I
see you, Sis.
We are not in this alone. The
struggles we face are not meant to be carried in solitude. We need spaces where
we can be vulnerable, where we can heal, and where we can celebrate each other
without fear of judgment. The phrase “I see you, Sis” isn’t just words—it’s a
declaration of solidarity, a promise that no Black woman should feel invisible.
I see you, Sis.
Our struggles do not define us—our
triumphs do. From the mothers raising brilliant children to the entrepreneurs
building their empires, from the activists changing policies to the artists
reshaping culture, we are a force to be reckoned with. I see you, Sis.
When one of us wins, we all win.
Every achievement, big or small, is worth celebrating. Breaking through
barriers, choosing self-care, pursuing dreams, speaking up—these are all
victories. And we deserve to acknowledge them.
We all have a story to tell. Some
of us are still in the midst of our struggles, some of us are healing, and some
of us are thriving. But no matter where we are on our journey, our experiences
are valuable. I see you, Sis.
Let’s continue to lift each other
up. Let’s create spaces where we can be seen, heard, and valued. Let’s remind
each other that our existence, our voices, and our lives matter. Because at the
end of the day, no Black woman should feel unseen.
So, if no one has told you today: I
see you, Sis. I honor your strength, your wisdom, your beauty, and your
power. Keep shining. Keep pushing forward. Keep being the phenomenal woman that
you are.
Because you are seen. You are
valued. You are loved. If you have ever felt invisible, leave a drop a #iseeyousis in the comment section.
I see you, Sis.
Dr. Taunya Tinsley
