By Erin M. Moss, LMHC

I love being a woman. Everything about it. I think I was born dancing and twirling around. I am reminded of how sacred it is to be a girl and feel safe and seen as I look at my niece. From her dolls seated at her tea parties to her glitter lip gloss… I can so identify with that time. Just feeling free to be herself. 

But something happens down the line during the growth of a young woman. She begins to doubt herself. The world tells her she isn’t good enough. Everything from her body, to her hair to her life choices… why can’t they just be her own?

As much as everything in me loves being a woman – it’s hard. The struggle is even more real being a Black woman.  Our stories are so rich and beautiful but also have elements of trauma. I see this in myself and women that I have worked with over the years. I have come to identify this as just part of the Black experience. 

When a Black woman comes into therapy, she is tasked with not only healing herself but, also breaking generational curses. Traumas that existed in her family for years and years. It’s just a lot. This is why a lot of my outreach is tailored to women who look like me. 

So often we are portrayed as “The angry Black woman” This has been ingrained in our minds so deeply. It is not uncommon for a woman to be sitting with me and express that she is afraid to speak up in the workplace or in a shopping store for fear of being seen under that narrative. 

I’ve talked with many cross sections of women over the years to know that everyone experiences all kinds of emotions. So why are Black women not allowed to have a range of emotions? Why can’t we be happy and sad. Angry and passionate. Excited and scared. It’s hard enough being a woman. It’s even harder when you are held to a different standard. 

I have created a list of positive affirmations for Black women. I encourage you to use them to speak life into yourself. 

Positive Affirmations for Black Women 

By Erin M. Moss

  • I deserve respect. It is not unreasonable for me to assert myself. I understand that we teach people how to treat us.
  • My hair is beautiful. It’s my crown. Whether I wear it naturally or in a protective style, it’s mine and I will wear it as I choose.
  • Girl, you were born worthy!
  • I do not have to settle for struggle love. Even if I’ve seen unhealthy relationship dynamics around me, that is not MY story. 
  • My skin is beautiful. It tells stories. I am covered from head to toe in brown sugar and honey. It shines like the sun. It makes me proud. 
  • I deserve kindness, compassion and understanding.
  • I am enough. 
  • I give myself permission to heal from the things that hurt me.
  • I deserve to feel seen in my workplace. My thoughts and ideas are important. 
  • It’s okay to ask for help. I don’t have to make a way out of no way all the time. 
  • It’s a strength to allow myself to be vulnerable. I don’t have to have it together all the time. 
  • God loves me. I am His beautiful creation.