Abscence Makes the Heart Grow Fonder

I don't think anything has made me appreciate my Blackness more than living in a country where Black people are limited. And when I say limited, I mean less than one percent of the population..Jesus be a Fantasia Barrino in a sea of Kelly Clarkson's.....#NoShade

Although I've never felt a sense of shame directly related to my race or ethnicity, there have been times when I have placed others on a pedestal for theirs. I grew up in a Black household, in a prodominantly Black city. where I lived my life surrounded by Black culture.

The funny thing is I didn't really realize what Black culture was and wasn't until I entered college where my friend group became more diverse. You mean to tell me only Black people eat oven baked macaroni and cheese? And the whole world doesn't know what Usher was doing at seven o'clock on the dot in '97!? Whatchu talkin' 'bout Willis??

And now that I live in a Black culture drought in South Korea, I'm grateful for my Black habits! I'm Blacker than Black. I'm Vantablack!

I'm this Black...

Now more than ever, I am appreciative of everything from the color of my skin passed down from my ancestors to the power of my prescence the moment I walk into any room! Maybe it's half pride in my culture and half nostaligia, but these days I seek out Black entertainment on another level. From old videos of The Missisippi Mass Choir to episodes of 90's sitcoms like The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air and Living Single, I am consuming all black media, all the time!

My current mood is Issa Rae and I shall not be stopped!

If you're a friend to my blog you know that my first year in Korea was a struggle to hold on to and take pride in my identity as a Black woman. I simply wanted to be valued in this society. However, whatever pity party I was throwing for my self ended a long time ago! To God be the glory, I am fearfully and wonderfully made...whoever don't like it, its that man's problem. #StayMad

Getting here took a lot of meditation and Maze feat. Frankie Beverly, but I made it. And I must be honest, that I've even gone through stages of feeling resentment towards other races. Why? Because quite frankly I'm so tired of the expectaions, assumptions, and intolerable ingorance people have about me in relation to my Blackness. I do not come with Nutritional Facts because I am not for your consumption. Take me or leave me!

"It's such beauty in Black people

And it really saddens me

When we're not allowed to express that pride in being Black

And that if you do, then it's considered anti-white

No! You just pro-black, and that's okay

The two don't go together, because you celebrate Black culture

Does not mean that you don't like white culture

Or that you putting it down

It's just taking pride in it, but what's irritating is when somebody says

You know, "They're racist!", "That's reverse racism!"

Or "They have a Black History Month, but we don't have a White History Month!"

Well, all we've ever been taught is white history

So, why are you mad at that? Why does that make you angry?

That is to suppress me and to make me not be proud"

-Tina Knowles-Lawson

The reason why I felt the urge to write this blog post is because I know I was sleeping on myself before. What I mean is that, I didn't realize what a prividge it is to be a descendent of the African diaspora. We exist on every corner of the earth and there's a bit more magic in the world because of it. So I want my readers (reguardless of race) to know that I am unapologetically Black. And if you're from the diaspora too hold your head up high. You are beautiful and magical and I love you!

Here's some muscial Blackness to add flavor to your day!

I love you for reading! Please stay safe and light during these uncertain times. God bless!

Xo,

Miya Marie~