Personal Narrative: I Am As An African American Woman

“You is smart. You is beautiful. You is strong.” For a couple of years my mom would playfully cite to me her version of the famous lines from the movie “The Help” in hopes that it would inspire me as an African American woman. At the time I was nearly 10 and frankly I brushed off every word my mom said because I looked around me and didn’t feel comfortable in my own skin. It took me sometime to realize that my mother’s words would forever stay with me and empower me. Especially when I met adversaries that would try to make me feel small for who I am.
I come from a culturally diverse family. My dad’s side of the family is filled with traditional southern charm with summer days spent with my grandma picking fresh strawberries and learning to grow flowers in her backyard. As well as, huge family reunions with an abundance of delicious foods such as: fried chicken and sweet potato pies. My mom’s side couldn’t be more different, they are loud reggae playing, always dancing Caribbean people from Belize. They fill you with laughter and interesting foods such as: peas and rice and ox tails. With such proud people around me it is hard to not eventually become proud of who I am and not be afraid of sharing my colorful family with the world.
Everyone has something to bring to the table and I value different opinions and people who see the world in other ways than mine.
Although I’m proud of who I am and where I come from I don’t have to be the up front leader. I’m the person you might find behind the curtains but is always working hard. I’m very comfortable to lead from behind for the greater benefit of the team. I see myself not only adding to the rich cultural and intellectual diversity at Amherst but