26-year-oldJamarion Robinson’s grandmother Beverly Nixon said her grandson was bipolar and schizophrenic. Still got shot 76 (!!!) times. Would a white person get the same treatment?
The witness said he saw more than a dozen patrol cars at the complex where US Marshals killed Robinson on August 5, 2016. Why were there no behavioral specialist? Surely one of them would know how to interact with a bipolar schizophrenic better than the police.
To all my Black girls out there, please know that you are loved and that you do not always have to show up for others, especially in a society that doesn’t always show up for you.
Your happiness and mental health has to be a priority. If something isn’t aligning with that, speak up. If you’ve communicated this and nothing has changed, start preparing to walk away.
You do not have to live in misery in order to be a “stronger person”. Don’t let society make you think this. Our history is already built on trauma, you don’t need further trauma in your relationships, your profession, etc. You can be happy and you can be mentally safe without having to endure a ton of pain.
In order for you to be the best you can be, you have to be in an environment that will allow you to do this.
Sometimes you really just have to let some people be in their damn feelings!
While your intentions are good, offering unwarranted solutions when someone’s feeling low AF can often times dig a deeper hole, ex: more negative thoughts, bring on anxiety/increase anxiety, feeling misunderstood, feeling incapable while also feeling pressure (ex: omg I have to try to bring myself to do XYZ to get out of this episode when I’m already struggling with X?!), etc.
What I mean by unwarranted solutions is saying things like, “I did this and it worked”, “you should try this”, “that’s tough…. BUT have you thought about”….
JEEZUS MAKE IT STOP!!!
Okay… but how do I know whether to give my input or not?
When someone’s venting to you, ask them if they’d like your input/advice or if they prefer you to just listen.
If they want you to just listen, JUST LISTEN. Don’t feel like you need to solve a problem or provide therapy unless you’re actually their therapist!
‼️However, if this person is in harm (this also includes harming themselves) and the situation is detrimental to their well being, definitely do not take a back seat! Listen to what they’re telling you, sometimes it’s not just venting.‼️
A listening ear sometimes, especially from a friend, is more than enough. Let them be in their damn feelings! #respectfully
A space that captures the thoughts, struggles, highs and lows from Black girls. I want this to be a safe space where Black girls can feel supported, heard, and have a sounding board to say what’s on their mind. A safe space where we can feel liberated.
I also want to make it interactive so I’ll eventually ask for y’all to submit thoughts, celebrations, milestones, fears, etc. and I’ll post them to this account and Instagram (will post anonymously).
While the blog and IG will have Black women at the top of mind, allies, you are more than welcome to follow! Allies are an integral part of getting underrepresented groups heard and I appreciate y’all for the work you do! I’m sure there will be some content that allies can relate to, however, that is not the main point which is to give Black girls a safe space to share and be heard.
There will definitely be content that I’m sure everyone can learn from which is most important.
