If Self-Love Was A Person: Black Women Who are Leading the Way to Self-Love

U.S. Representative and internet auntie, Maxine Waters told the world six years ago that we were reclaiming our time, and apparently the girlies felt that. From leading the charge in letting go of things that don’t serve us to promoting self-love and esteem, Black women have been showing up for themselves and we love to see it. Similar to the idea of self-care being an act of resistance coined by the iconic Audre Lorde, an article in ELLE describes the experience for Black women as “a revolutionary act.”

We saw this firsthand with Keke Palmer’s graceful reaction to being publicly shamed by her partner and the father of her child. With her baby boy as an inspiration, Palmer broke her silence with a message to new moms empowering them to do what makes them happy.

“We’re going to lean into this new body,” she said in an interview with The Cut, “and I think that is the whole aura of what’s happening with me in this big boss era as I come into my 30s.”  

Following the trial and ruling in 2022, I’m sure fans and feminists alike held our breath as the internet continued tearing apart Megan the Stallion after two brutal years of accusations and assumptions. But it has been beautiful seeing the Houston rapper take space to heal after the release of Traumazine, in the gym, on vacation, and on the timeline cutting up. And I don’t know about you, but I am living for natural hair Meg.  

If you ever need a recommendation for practicing self-care, take a quick trip to Tracee Ellis Ross’s Instagram page and count the ways. The actress can be found constantly lounging, relaxing in the water, or loving on herself in a way that’s both comical and inspiring.

Sheryl Lee Ralph constantly breaks the internet for her awe-inspiring speeches amid wins, but she’s most recently held space on the TED Talk stage, giving a 3-part guide on believing in yourself.  

“I challenge all you to start a meaningful practice of looking in the mirror and loving what you see,” Ralph said in her speech.    

If self-love as a black woman is a revolutionary act, these women are on the frontline leading the charge and we are ten-toes down with them.

Words shared by Jazz On Fire.