Dear Black Girl…

The author (right) with Wisconsin State Senator Lena Taylor at the Women’s March on Madison.

The election is over, and Donald J. Trump is officially our 45th president. But fear not, as they say. We must never, ever lose hope.

Everyday of our lives we are put to test; not because we are weak, but because we are strong. Beautiful black girl, don’t you know you are strong?

Sure, every rose has its thorns, but a thorn without a rose is but a thorn.

Through the white noise and white walls, our blackness may cause a strain to our hearts and minds or even make us feel ashamed. But black is beautiful. Black girls rock. And don’t you dare let anyone tell you otherwise.

The next four years of your precious lives are going to be years of strength. Years of courage. And four years of hard work and diligence, as every blessed year should be.

Black girls should never live in fear. So be bold. Be brave. And live these next four years, and the years after, blissfully.

Use your voice, even if it’s just yours.

Stand up for what you believe in and what is right even if you find yourself standing alone.

Even if others turn against you, know that I am with you and that God is with you.

Black girl and black girls everywhere, we must come together and support one another.

Love each other, the way our mothers and grandmothers love us. The way we will one day love our daughters and granddaughters. Unconditionally.

Because Love will forever trump hate.