The Importance of Sisterhood
By Barbara Henry
The concept of Sisterhood is probably one of the most confusing amongst black women and girls. Not because the concept is foreign to us, but because, more often than not, we are bombarded with images and examples of black women misbehaving when interacting with each other. Instead of having the experience of seeing more black women embrace in love, we see them entangled in catfights on our TV screens.
Were you glued to your seat for the last two seasons of The Real Housewives of Atlanta? I sure was! It’s a guilty pleasure of mine, so I completely understand why shows like, For the Love of Ray J, and every other love based reality show interests you. We enjoy siding with our favorite characters and its hard not to get drawn in by the storylines and juicy gossip.
However, the scenes and scenarios that we watch weekly don’t just stay on our TV screens, they are playing out in our daily social lives. We encounter each other and we immediately begin to dissect everything about each other, from our hairstyles and fashion choices, all the way down to the ways that we speak and the neighborhoods that we live in or come from. These are NOT acts of Sisterhood. Sisterhood, or “sistahood” is meant to unify women, not to separate us on the basis of competition and envy!
It’s much more affective and healthier to practice admiration and acceptance in our daily interactions with each other, especially since rowdiness and other negative behaviors are expected from black women in the larger society. Why do you think the producers of The Real Housewives of Atlanta replaced the cast member who wasn’t fond of drama?
Instead of making fun of a fellow babygirlz’ outfit or hairstyle, try going over to her, introducing yourself, and complimenting her on her beautiful eyes. And when you are tempted to shy away from the babygirl who lives in the neighborhood that is a bit tougher than yours or the one that isn’t as tough as yours, remember that she has something to add to your life.
Most importantly, please know that the foundation of Sisterhood begins one little sister at a time. That’s exactly how this magazine was created for you. Through the power and unity of Sisterhood.
We would love for you to share your Sisterhood experiences with us. What has Sisterhood been like for you?
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Great article!!
Sisterhood for me has been a constant stream of lessons regarding trust, growth, and finding the God in people. I’ve been fortunate to have a best friend whom I’ve considered a sister since 6th grade (many moons ago!). Besides that friendship, there have been a few other good ones, but in the past 2 years, I’ve really begun to expand my Sister Circle, and I am seeing that the view I had of women in general as chatty and hard-to-trust was skewed and jaded!! Yep, I was using a blanket that wasn’t the best fit, and now, through Creator, I’m blessed to know the value of sisterhood in my life.
You are so right about sisterhood being akin to unification, and I’m a strong supporter of that message.
Akilah,
), like women into my circle, and it has worked tremendously. I think we can begin a movement, and debunk the myth that we can’t have sisterhood.
I think that “constant stream of lessons…” is one that most of us can relate to. I have definitely been there myself. It was why we wanted to touch upon this early on in the launch — and continue the effort. I actually had to shed skin a while back in order to allow healthy-minded (of which you are one
“Thank you for coming by!”
I will make sure my sixteen year old sits and reads this great column, TWICE. Even if I have to stand over her while she reads.
You have an excellent attitude with your magazine. I agree — one child at a time. Just have to keep pecking away at all the negativity each will encounter along their youthful journey. Then, embracing and encouraging the positive impacts sure to be experienced and offered.
That would be great Don! We are VERY interested in knowing your daughter’s experiences with Sisterhood and encouraging her to remain open to building new female-oriented relationships. As Akilah mentioned, a strong ‘Sister Circle’ is a valuable asset in a woman’s life, especially as she is growing and maturing. Thank you for your support and we look forward to hearing from her!
Mission accomplished.
Twitter: quiskaeya
says:
I absolutely love this article. Well spoken. Sisterhood in the black community has too often been characterized by gossiping, fighting, baby daddies, etc. Yet, our sisterhood is so much more. It’s about us finding ways to encourage, uplift, support and develop in each other self-love and collective love. I have found some of the best friendship among my sisters. Although, not all my besties are sister, I wouldn’t trade the ones that are for anything in this world. I need that support system that understands, can relate and has an accurate perspective on what I’m going thru because they “feel me”.
Thanks for your wonderful comments on my feature over at MOH. Much appreciated.