Thank you all for showing us love & support with our campaign on our instagram page. As we bring our #ReflectiveRevelations to a close, we offer the gift of poetry from our own Deja Palmer-Reese. Deja crafted this poem in response to what we learned & experienced during our apprenticeship. May these words inspire & carry you as you step into the new year.
🧡 Noire, Deja, Chalina, & Aniya
Black queens
Let’s take off and fly above the
occasion.
Focus on the things that physically
keep us grounded, but mentally place us in a superior
elevation.
And find a deeper passion and love for ourselves
as a form of meditation,
to ensure unadulterated positivity like a spiritual
ventilation.
Then use that halcyon mindset to reflect on your
spiritual revelations.
***
Understand that you are unquestionably
strong.
Became an entrepreneur when things around you
went wrong.
And they transfix themselves on how you
the caged bird
finds strength to still sing your song.
Because you have hope.
Heart as pure as bullion gold.
And just like our alluring melanated skin,
that hope never grows old.
***
However
If you do find it faltering
and it leaves your light dwindling cold,
your community is there to be a backbone
and remind you that there is no need to impose
yourself into any societal mold.
Because we believe in you.
***
Stand statuesque tall,
and wipe your eyes because we see it
in you.
Do you see it in you?
Do you see
that you flourished so much
that now work has become less stressful and more healing?
Do you see how you have found new hobbies and ways
to express who you are,
and in yourself?
You found a deeper meaning
Of beauty
Because beauty is you,
and that is something you uncontrollably
embody.
***
Never let them tell you
Your bamboo hoops and diamond
studded acrylics are too gaudy.
Never let anyone
strip away the time and dedication you apply
to your wellbeing.
Never let wavering friendships make you
hide your opinions and feelings.
Never let your fear of change and what it
may hold distance you from your manifestations
and the future you’re seeing.
And most important of all, and queen
listen when I say this.
Never be silenced or afraid of speaking your
truths and being your genuine self.
Because no matter what, you as a black girl,
Without fear or harm,
are able to freely express yourself.