Black Queens

" America will not, cannot heal its wounds until the African-American woman's wounds are healed. The wounds of slavery, racial violence, segregation, poverty, and contemptuous disregard for life. Not one of these wounds will be healed until the black woman in the United States is healed, or rather heals herself. The black woman is also the primary nurturing source of both black and white communities in this country. It is we black women who are not fully aware of our power. The African American woman must be healed if this nation - indeed the world is to survive.We have to stop looking outside of ourselves for validation, authorization, or qualification. We have to learn to love ourselves, to value ourselves, and accept ourselves for who and what we are.  To stop holding our men responsible for our happiness. We must discover the things that make us happy, do them fearlessly, and set a new standard by which our men must treat us. Our men cannot be whole until we are whole. Black women need right now is for our men to assist us, support us, and give us time. Our men must be taught how to do these things. We cannot teach our men until we are fully confident in our ability to do what we need to do for ourselves. Love and trust God. Forgive yourself and everyone else. Trust your head. Respect nature and divine law. Know your purpose. Purify your intent. Make peace your priority. Let the healing begin."

- Iyanla Vanzant