5 Reasons Why A Safe Space For Black Women Is Essential

The need & reality for Black Women to have their own Safe Spaces are real.

Black women face unique challenges and experiences that are not always shared by other women of color. This is especially true when it comes to safety and access to resources. It's important for us to have a safe space where we can share our stories, gain support, and learn about the various issues that affect us.

It's no secret that the world can be a very tough place for Black women. From the moment that we are born, we are subjected to discrimination and violence. We face a constant barrage of microaggressions and macroaggressions.

There's a reason why a Safe Space for Black women is so important – it allows us to feel comfortable and safe enough to share our experiences and thoughts. It allows us to connect with other Black women and discuss common challenges; likewise, it allows us to find support when we need it most.

This need was made evident in an episode for “Ratched TV” where either a “staged” or real scenario was displayed, and the demand was made for a Black Woman to “explain” why she needed to create a Safe Space exclusive to Black Women she supported – one being that they asked for the space, and to be created for them. Explaining why I (& women like me) need a Safe Space in 2022 is already laughable yet many still “demand” an explanation. 

The Importance Of A Safe Space For Black Women

A safe space for Black women is essential because it allows us to cope with the discrimination and violence that we face on a daily basis. It allows us to share our experiences and thoughts with others, and to find support when we need it. The spaces also allow us to express ourselves freely without judgement or having to explain ourselves or walk on eggshells.

Black women have been historically and systematically marginalized in American society. Therefore, these spaces allow us to share our experiences, perspectives, and feelings without fear of judgement or reprisal. We can express ourselves freely, receive support, and build relationships with other Black women who understand what we're going through. Leave your #ShameGame in the parking lot.

We do not owe “allies” instant access to our Safe Spaces. We need not explain why “allies” will meet ‘Do Not Disturb' & ‘Do Not Enter' signs occasionally along our journey. There are tons of safe and exclusive spaces for all types of groups, but for some, an exclusive space for Black women bothers their core.

Please, check your Privilege at the gate & this goes for anyone who doesn't identify themselves as Black women.

Stay bothered as you and your entitled core need to stay out of these safe spaces.

Safe Spaces Are Vital Right Now For Black Women

The world is a very different place than it was 30, 20, or even 10 years ago, and we've seen a dramatic change in the way that the world treats Black women; much of this change has had a negative impact on our lives.

I remember when I was a young girl, there weren't many black women prominently positioned in the world & in a positive light. We were taught to make it through one day at a time without getting our hopes up or “standing out”. Then that began to change: we started to see ourselves more on TV, in the news, in films and in strong, leading roles that didn't have to be one-sided (oversexualized or demeaning). We started to see ourselves as powerful, as leaders, and as role models.

This change has had a profound impact on how Black Women move in this world; giving us hope and strength when we've had little to none before. We now have the chance to share our stories with the world, and to tell them loud and clear: we're here, we're alive, and we're not going anywhere.

Taking Action To Help Continue Empowering Black Women

There are a number of things that we can do to help empower Black women that include:

• Creating these safe spaces specifically for Black women and encouraging others to do the same. Sometimes we need to truly encourage others to have their spaces and be comfortable not being invited; can't be at everyone's party & it's ok; and
• Advocate for change and support initiatives that help to improve the lives of Black women, and we can educate ourselves, via self-education initiatives, and others about the issues that affect Black women. Stop demanding and depending on those going through the experience to also take time out to educate you about the experience.

The Rundown

A safe space for Black women is essential (point-blank) – it allows us to feel comfortable and safe enough to share our experiences and thoughts; not always for validation either. I have multiple Safe Spaces that support me in multiple ways and this blog is one of them.

There are many organizations and groups that strive to create a safe space for Black women, but there is still much work to be done. We need to keep up the continuous advocation for change so that we can see real improvements in the lives of Black women. Equally important, we need to educate ourselves and others about the issues that affect Black women and create supportive communities that allow us to freely express ourselves.