It's Only Skin

As I watch the news daily and see how the Black Lives Matter movement is protesting all over the world for justice I wondered for the longest what should I say or how should I say it? Then I thought about how for years when someone felt uncomfortable around me or didn't give me an opportunity because of the color of my skin I would say to myself its only skin. 

Do I personally know George Floyd, Breonna Taylor or Ahmaud Arbery.....No but I do know racism feels and have companies deny you jobs, opportunities, and make assumptions about you because of the color of your skin. For years I tried to play it off and thought maybe its because I live in the south. As I watch daily so many people are angry and victims of racism. There are other countries protesting with the United States so I know its not just the South systematic racism is worldwide. 

 I know how it feels to take your to predominantly white private schools for a better education and parents hold their head down to keep from speaking to you or have a parents ask you about financial aid because they think that’s the only way your black child could attend this school. I know how it feels for your daughter not to feel welcomed because she is the only black girl in her class.

I know how it feels to send your children to a more diverse school but have school administrators look down on how and not help you if you financially because your child can't play a sport for them.

I know how it feels to try so hard to get a great corporate job with your two degrees and get turned down over and over again because of the color of your skin. I know how it feels to work in a predominantly white environment as a Sales Administrator want a promotion never get it and see  6 figure white sales reps never interview a black person and label you lazy when you ask for an opportunity. I know how it feels to have people lock their doors when your black husband walks past their car. I know how it feels for white parents not to want their children to have play dates with your black child but allow your black child to visit their house for a play date. I know how it feels to fight so hard for a career and opportunities as a black female entrepreneur so you can provide a better life but only to get knocked down because of the color of your skin.

I feel the pain of everybody out there protesting for equality because cowards choose to hate because of a skin color. I am tired of masking my pain by saying to myself “Its only skin.” It hurts to see black people get killed because of the color of their skin.  We have to do better as a country in order to see growth and true equality for everyone.

Even after the protest the looting if you are white and still don't understand or wondering if you are part of the problem or part of the solution ask yourself these questions. 

Do you feel a certain way when you are near a black person especially one with tattoos?

 Do you lock your doors or clinch your purse around a black person?

 Does your entire staff look like you? 

When its time to give assistance or opportunities are people of color included not just because they can play sports? 

Are you okay with your white children playing with black children? 

Do you make black people feel welcomed when around you? 

Are all of the people in your contacts in your phone look like you?

 Have you ever had coffee with a black person to see how they are doing, and hear their side of the story?

After you ask yourself these things I ask you again? Are you part of the problem or part of the solution.

The next time you feel a certain why or quick to deny someone because of the color of their skin I want you to remember its only skin!!!! 

-Tamera

What does Sisterhood look like for you?

Sisterhood has so many meanings depending on who you ask? What do you think of when you hear the word Sisterhood? Friendships? Sticking together? Loyalty? A friend? A Sister? My girl? A shoulder to lean on? My Sister for Life? My BFF?

Sisterhood can have anyone of those meanings but what truly matters is what does it mean to you? What does it look like in your life? Do you have a circle of Sisters you can depend on? Are you part of an organization or sorority that you consider your sisterhood family?

I truly believe everyone one should experience some type of sisterhood in their life. Being a woman can be hard enough, and sometimes you just another woman that you can talk to about a particular situation you are experiencing. Sisterhood is a two way street, and you can never form a friendship expecting 100 percent out of someone. Through life I grown to know no one person can give you everything that you need. When finding sisterhood you just need one commonality. Are your kids the same age? Do you attend the same school? Do you ladies enjoy the same activities? Do you enjoy the same type of events?

As women we sometimes get caught up in social media seeing tons of photos of friendships, sorority gatherings, and sisterhood events and think how can I find all of that in my life or maybe how can I create that in my life. Truth is you may never find all of that from one person.

Its important to not get caught up in what everyone else defines or thinks what sisterhood should look like or be. You have the choice to decide it on your own. Sisterhood for All Women Rock means adding value to your life. How can we help you elevate in life? We form and create events with the expectation value has been added to your life in some sort of way.

This is how All Women Rock Global defines SISTERHOOD by adding value to your life.

S-Sociable, Significant, Savory

I-Inspiration, Idealistic, Informative

S-Special, Sweet, Seasoned

T-Trust, Timely, Tenacious

E-events, Entertainment, Entrepreneurship

R-Real Reliable, Respect

H-Help, Hope, Healing

O-Open Hearted, One of a Kind

O- Open Minded, Opportunities, Organized

D- Determined, Devotional, Demonstrative

When you have the opportunity to attend any All Women Rock event in any city one of this forms of SISTERHOOD will be added to your life.

#sisterhood

Recap from Ugly Sweater Networking Event

Besides the fact we had to reschedule our event due to the ugly stupid weather in Memphis we had a great time at our ugly sweater event.

This was our first Ugly Sweater Networking event. We had at Craft Republic on Sanderlin. We had a few mishaps with the room but we did not allow that to dampen our networking event.

I got the opportunity to meet some very extraordinary talented women in the Memphis community.

We did a few giveaways. Dr. Tara Hatley won a Memphis Women Rock t-shirt.

Can’t wait for next one 2020 Stay tuned….

Ugly Sweater Networking Event-Memphis Women Rock

Join us for our last event for this year. Register here for our free Ugly Sweater Networking event. Bring plenty of business cards, and join us for a fun night. You will have the opportunity to meet someone new, play pool, enjoy some great food and cocktails, and most importantly have fun. If you are interested in becoming a vendor send an email to memphiswomenrock@gmail.com. This is a free event but registration is required click here to register!!!