“Because I am a Black Queen” #WhyIStayed #BlackIsBeauty

Let’s talk. There are so many men and women who are victims of sexual assault and domestic violence. It’s something that black families don’t talk about because… it’s taboo.

However,  this conversation is a long over due. In our community, we try to keep things like this under wraps, a secret, don’t talk about it. We have that uncle, that cousin, that friend, that neighbor, that parent, or that sibling who’s “sick” but never goes to get help.

When we don’t talk about it, we suffer. It’s not okay for someone to live with the pain of the abuse in silence. It’s so important for women to speak their truth. That gives them freedom and takes the power out of something that many people have held onto for years. You deserve to be free. You deserve to be loved. You are worthy and you are lovable.

It’s your right to tell your story to whomever you feel comfortable with. By confessing it to someone, it starts the process of letting go of that pain. When you hang onto pain and suffering, you can’t be happy, because part of you is always broken.  But you deserve to be whole. You can be whole. Maybe, you’re  angry and you don’t know why.

You’re not crazy. Most importantly, you’re not alone. I know it can be scary at first to come forward because you feel embarrassed and ashamed. It’s not your fault, it’s not your shame or your guilt to carry. You are a victim but most importantly you are a survivor.

There’s a taboo about mental health, about therapy, and about this conversation. That’s why so many suffer in silence. Let’s end suffering within ourselves.

It’s not an easy road to come forward and demand your happiness. However, I promise that once you to attain happiness you won’t settle for anything less. There is freedom in truth. You have to keep your head up and don’t listen to what people say. Often times victims our pawned off as crazy or sometimes even blamed for their abuse.

The greatest gift you can give yourself is love. Love conquers all.  You must remember that abuse is not love and love is never pain. God is love, not pain.