I am a Black Woman and I am Just Fine

The media seems to be inundating us with stories of the horrible plight of black women. Here are just a few of the negative statistics from so-called scientific studies:

One report says that by 2034, 100% of Black women will be overweight.

Another report says that a single Black woman’s median wealth amounts to a total of $5.

A third report says that 48% of Black women have the virus which causes herpes.

Other studies indicate that black women are the current number one group of people being infected with the HIV virus. Further still, several "investigative" news stories reveal that black women can not get men, for various reasons. One such recent show aired on ABC's "Nightline".

Is this a conspiracy theory to destroy the image of black women? I know that as a black woman I face enough challenges without having the results of these questionable studies heaped on the pile. Where are the studies showing the growing numbers of black women graduating from college and succeeding more than ever before in corporate America? Where are the studies showcasing the success, despite the recession, of black female entrepreneurs?

I am here to say for those of you who may have fallen victim to such stories and feel the need to worry about the sisters, first of all thank you for your concern, and second of all, please do not believe all you read or see. I am just fine, as are the vast majority of us black women. We are surviving and thriving. We are not broken, diseased and neglected as you may have been told. I am college educated, married, spiritually grounded and reasonably financially stable.

Please read this interesting article to get some clear understanding about some of these myths. http://bit.ly/aOkNdb
Also some stats from this opinion piece were found in an article posted on www.blackplanet.com by writer RK Byers.

J

Beauty in the World

"Beauty in the World" is the title of Macy Gray's latest single. I'll admit I have never been much of a Macy fan, other than appreciating her uniqueness as an artist. I came across the video on You Tube and the title captured me and made me want to see what she had to say. I really enjoyed the video. The song was a reminder that in spite of all the problems going on in the world, this is still an amazing place to be. The sun yet rises, the flowers continue to bloom, rivers flow, you name it. Life goes on and there is plenty to enjoy regardless of your circumstances. It's easy to get caught up in the negative aspects of life. We see all too much of it in the media. Turn off the tube and get out and enjoy the beauty of a nice spring day! Count your blessings and spread positivity.

J

Vice President Joe Biden

I had the pleasure of attending the annual Partner's In Peace luncheon for the Center for Prevention of Abuse. As everyone knows, the key note speaker was Vice President Joe Biden. Words can not express how touched I was by his speech. He gave the background details on the work that went in to getting the V.A.W.A. bill passed, which stands for violence against women act. This act administers financial support for domestic violence programs and shelters all over the country, and develops policy around the issues of domestic violence and sexual assault. I didn't know how instrumental Biden was in getting the act passed. It was a 20 year labor of love for Biden who had been inspired by his father in authoring the bill. He spoke for nearly an hour with conviction and passion on the subject. He told touching stories about some of the many families he had met who had been affected by domestic violence. Biden was a phenomenal Senator and continues to do important work for everyday people as Vice President. It's too bad that as of late he seems to be known more for his gaffes than his accomplishments and policies. I encourage you to get to know all of the wonderful things he has done and continues to do. It is good to know what a wonderful man we have as Vice President. He is a true compliment to President Obama.


J