After watching Self Made, a series that was inspired by the life of Madam C.J. Walker on Netflix, I felt more empowered and stronger. It also left me feeling like I’m not doing enough. Yes, I do many things now. However, I’m not going as hard as I could be going. I could be more ambitious and more productive. It just left me wanting more for myself, and wanting to be more for myself. I can always be doing more. How could I possibly conjure up any excuse as to why I can’t do something at this point? There are none. Madam C.J. Walker was extremely determined, convicted, and focused. Her level of passion, determination, and perseverance was something I had never witnessed before. Hell, I don’t see it on that level in myself yet. Yet it’s starting to feel like her attributes were transferred to me via the screen lol. She had people coming at her from every angle trying to destroy her dreams, her hopes, her accomplishments, and everything she worked so hard for. They tried to tear her empire down, and burn her legacy. But she still kept on going. She kept going! She inspired me in ways that are partially unexplainable. The fact that she was able to accomplish all that she had accomplished while factoring in her being born into such a discriminatory era, was a great accomplishment all on its own. She used her voice, and stood up to folks because she believed in herself. She invested in herself. Let me repeat because these are the main ingredients for a successful recipe. She believed in herself and she invested in herself. It is required!!!! It is necessary!! It pushes you. The minute it went off, I grabbed my spiral book, and began writing. I’m definitely going to be an Author. I’m going to revamp my Podcast, and continue growing that platform! I’m going to continue expressing my thoughts on this Blog. Then, I started brainstorming about some other projects I want to work on. I created a new vision board. I want to do SOOOO much more! No, I’m going to do so much more. I’m going to create, create, and create! I don’t want to work for anyone else anymore, and I want to live comfortably! I want to spend my days on this earth doing the things I love, and things I’m passionate about. So, I’m giving myself my word that I will do everything in my power to ensure that happens. I know I have LOTS of work to do, and I’m going to get it done.
Well, there is one last thing I’d like to touch on if I may. The series also shined a much needed light on a dark truth, that has plagued our Black Communities for centuries, colorism. Yes an ugly and sad truth. The “brown paper bag mentality” still exists today, even in 2020. Light skin vs Dark skin. Sisters, I pray that for those of you who’ve experienced hate because of the shade of your skin, know that you are beautiful, you are loved, and I pray that you heal from all hurt and pain. Sisters, I pray for those of you who think you are superior because you happen to be a shade lighter. You are not fully responsible for those thoughts that have been embedded long before you were born. But like the saying goes, “When you know better do better.” I pray that you realize someday soon that you too are beautiful yes, and that you belong to the same community. My hope is that you are healed from all hurt and pain as well. We can move more mountains together. For any of you who have been prejudged negatively and doubted because of the color of your skin, please know that you are more than capable, you are more than enough, and you can do anything you want to do. “Your only limitations are the ones you place on yourselves.” Now get to it and go work!!!!!
Bravo Octavia Spencer for portraying this role so eloquently, strongly, and effortlessly! You are a superb actress and you’ve made waves in the industry!!! You’ve inspired myself and countless others.
Thank you Queen Madam C.J. Walker for setting a prime and beautiful example!!!!!!!! Thank you for opening up the doors for us. Well done.
Be Well!!
LINNEA!
Linnea Blogs Her Way 