So why is the focus of the agency I started specifically targeted to Black women? Racism andsexism - 2 big and unique problems for the Black woman dealing with DV/IPV. How does the Black community amplify this for Blackwomen? 1) RACISM. The Black community wants to unite more than we have, especially in Iowa, around racial progress for us. Understandably so. However, what happens to the Blackwoman when she has to choose between her individual intersection of sexism and racism? She typically defaults to racism for the good of her people as a whole, with thethoughtthat once things have gained sufficient momentum for racism against Blacks, she can piggyback with that to address her racism-sexism intersection. Sadly, that means she has committedto her needs remaining unmet for an indefinite period of time. 2) SEXISM. The world sees sexism as a problem, but when the problem is addressed, the problems of the Black woman are mostly invisible. At the center of sexism is the white female. Therefore, what is often studied is the way it impacts her. To complicate this picture, the strong Black woman stereotype also works against the Black woman here. She is viewed by her own community as being tough, head of household, bread winner. Unfortunately, with this “Superwoman” lens through which she is often viewed, she is not seen as the fairer sex, meaning one that needs protection. Contrarily, she is expected to showup to support her community with little-to-noregard for what she is juggling to show up, including the possibility that she is dealing with DV/IPV when she does. And since“40-60% “of black women report being subjected to coercive sexual contact by age 18”,it’s likely that she is.5 That’s why I accepted the invitation to talk to you every month. Each month, I’ll be talking to 1 of 3 groups; I guarantee you’ll fit into one of them. When a publication comes out that doesn’t include your group that month, you can still help by sharing it with the people you know who do belong to that group. 5 AmericanPsychologicalAssociation. article:BlackWomen,theForgottenSurvivorsofSexualAssault 1) Victim-Survivor Group. A Blackwoman who maybe a victim of DV, is a victim of DV, is a survivor ofDV. 2) Black Community.You are notthe Black woman,but you are a member of the Black community. 3) Larger Community. You are not a Black individual, but you live in the greater DesMoines area, Polk county,or the state of Iowa. I can commit to you that these articles will be authentic, informative, factual, and safe. Yes, safe. Anything I share with you will be delivered in love, even if the subject matter at times is uncomfortable. Beloved, this narrative can be changed for the Black woman - but she, we, willneed all of us in order to do it. Why did you need to know that, Beloved? Simply put, as we nurture any part of us,we nurture allofus.Blessings.#Permission By Courageous Fire DV Advocate & Founder of Courageous Fire,LLC Did anything in this article resonate with you? 1) If you’re a Black female survivor of DV at the hands of a male partner and you’re ready to learn how to prevent future cycles of DV in your life, sign-up is open for 2021 cohorts of our groundbreaking program, Empowerment through the Arts™. Click here to learn more and sign up: CFire Empowerment The URBAN EXPERIENCE | 2021 33
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