national women's history month 2021- black women are awesome!
Yes, many Black women are awesome. But did you know that Black women are also, well… women? We run the gamut. We are a wide array of ideas, dreams, accomplishments and silliness. We are foodies, fashionistas, sci-fi nerds, bookworms, jocks, techies, trekkies. We are all the things.
However, rarely—super rarely—are Black women asked simple, fun, random questions about who they are, what they’re into, what they’re not into, by white brothers and sisters. One of the things I loved about being on staff at my old church was how often my white co-workers would ask me about the latest episode of The Great British Baking Show and not just about the latest trauma or hurt in the Black community. It was nice to be seen at all times, not just when times were hard.
So for National Women’s History Month 2021, I wanted to celebrate Black women I admire, and who have enriched my life over the past few years. I’ve sent these amazing women random conversation questions—and let me tell you, I don’t why I didn’t think of this years before. What a healing balm to just be asked about the simple and silly things of life! How lovely to get glimpse of these women’s hearts, and not just their wisdom and intellect.
Dear readers, many of you have so often asked me how can you support me. And I love that generosity and community you bring. It matters, and it makes all the difference. Your DM’s, your reposts, your comments, your presence, matters deeply to me. The way you have felt about me is the way I feel about these women I’m featuring. So, if you want to support me and invest in my mental health, then please support, invest, or just encourage these women whose work, thoughts and words have consistently given me a lifeline.
This has been such a soul-soothing act of self-care that I think I will continue it – in fact, I’ll widen my circle and invite other women in of all groups and distinctions. But first up are these Black women. May they give you life like they’ve given me life and may you give them love and honor in return!
Peace.
CHRISTINA, EKEMINI AND MICHELLE OF TRUTH’S TABLE ARE AWESOME!
I don’t remember how I found the Truth’s Table podcast. It can be heard playing on Saturday mornings in our home just like Soul Train did on Saturday mornings when I was growing up. I don’t know who first put it on, but you can bet that if it’s Saturday, turn it up!
Here’s what you need to know as peacemakers and allies: Black women’s voices leading and owning podcasts is not common. White men’s voices dominate the podcast world.
But not only are Black women’s voices underrepresented in that world – three Black women’s voices on one podcast is very rare.
Not only are three Black women’s voices on one podcast very rare, but three Black women talking about culture and faith on a podcast is extremely, extremely rare.
And, not only are three Black women talking about culture and faith on a podcast extremely, extremely rare, but it’s very rare, and frankly a blessing, that two of those Black women hold Master of Divinity degrees, and the third holds a PhD in psychology. Look at what God can do!
These women are humble, real, authentic and vulnerable every single episode. They rightly call themselves “midwives of culture for grace and truth.” And you just better be ready for them.
Truth’s Table is “built by Black women and for Black women,” and I’m so grateful to turn up my speaker and accept their gracious invitation to listen.
My favorite episode: Dating - Confusion in the Land, September 5, 2020. Whether you are committed or single, please listen. We’re not a monolith, but Ekemini and Michelle get to the real, real heart of being a Black single woman in this world, and Christina holds their truth gently with sisterly lovingkindness. Beautiful!
How You Can Encourage and Support Truth’s Table:
Follow them on Instagram: @truthstable
Become a Patron: Truth’s Table Patreon
Gift Them: Truth’s Table via PayPal
Buy Some Swag: Truth’s Table Merchandise
5 RANDOM QUESTIONS AND A BONUS ONE FOR THE CREATOR’S OF TRUTH’S TABLE
What’s Your Favorite Way To Waste Time?
CHRISTINA: Staying in the bed as long as possible on a Saturday morning. That’s usually no later than 8 am.
EKEMINI: Currently, Netflix and watching reality shows.
MICHELLE: Whew! I thank God when I have time to waste! I turn my music up and have dance breaks for days.
If You Had Intro Music, What Song Would It Be? Why?
CHRISTINA: Carl Carlton’s “She’s a Bad Mama Jama” is a classic jam that gets the party started and is in the tradition of Nikki Giovanni’s Ego Tripping. I only need the chorus loop. While the song is clearly about a woman who is “just as fine as she can be” I was raised to believe a “bad” woman is smart, witty, and bold.
EKEMINI: “That Girl” by Stevie Wonder. I love this song so much. I claimed it as my theme song back in High School. It’s full of Black love and Black joy. I feel like it captures the essence of who I am as a Black woman and other Black women in my life.
MICHELLE: “Another Star” by Stevie Wonder. That vocal line on the intro is fire!
What Word Or Saying From The Past Do You Think Should Come Back?
CHRISTINA: Jive Turkey is the original Scrub.
EKEMINI: “True dat!”
MICHELLE: I have recently discovered that half of the things I say I am trying to bring back from the past on my own!
Excluding Biblical Characters, What Character From A Book Would You Like To Meet For Coffee?
CHRISTINA: Margaret from Judy Bloom’s Are you there God it’s me Margaret? I’d love to see how Margaret grew up and how she wrestled.
EKEMINI: Lauren Olamoma from Parable of the Sower because of our current apocalyptic climate.
MICHELLE: Betsey Brown, from Ntozake Shange's novel of the same name, about Brown Vs. Board. The novel is set in St. Louis, my hometown and current location.
What Isn’t Real, But You Desperately Wish It Was?
CHRISTINA: Clearly, Wakanda. Please tattoo my inner lip and get me a plane ticket ASAP!
EKEMINI: Wakanda. Black people on the continent and in the Diaspora need a location where we are shielded from the death-dealing reach of white supremacy and racism.
MICHELLE: That time-turner jawn worn by Hermione in the Harry Potter books.
Favorite Quote From A Historical Or Living Female Elder
CHRISTINA: “I feel sorry for anybody that could let hate wrap them up. Ain't no such thing as I can hate anybody and hope to see God's face.” Fannie Lou Hamer
EKEMINI: Ohh this one is hard because there are so many but I love this quote from Sojourner Truth, “Lord, I have done my duty and I have told the truth and kept nothing back.” This is the heartbeat of my ministry and my daily mission until I meet Jesus face-to-face.
MICHELLE: "God meant that I should be free.” Harriet Tubman
BONUS Question: Who Are You Most Like: Khadijah, Synclaire, Regine, or Maxine?
CHRISTINA: Khadijah was the most relatable and “normal” to me. But to be honest, I would say that I’m probably ⅓ Synclaire, ⅓ Regine and, ⅓ Maxine. Although I probably identify more with the characters from A Different World and in that case I’m definitely an even combination of Whitley, Kimberly, and Freddie.
EKEMINI: Maxine from Living Single
MICHELLE: I am definitely Maxine! STL Hometown hunnyyy!!
