Behind Coretta's Veil: Black Women and the Burdens of Loss
We rarely discuss black women's incarceration and its effects on families. We don't know what to do about black women's accelerating deaths from HIV-AIDS. We are completely silent about the sexual victimization that so many black girls and women endure.
As sisters pick up the broken pieces left behind when black men are ripped from communities, they find themselves struggling at the intersection of many forms of marginalization.
So it is hard. When I look into Coretta's face in that photo I am proud of her. I know that she will take on the burdens of family and of movement with everything in her.
But I am also so sad for her. I know that black women's political labor often leaves them less mentally and physically well. I know that there are few places where a black woman can weep and be comforted; few places where she can be broken and find help; few places where her voice maters much to others.
I believe the challenge is to create a new political legacy that acknowledges black men's vulnerability without ignoring black women's needs. We must give voice to the attack on brothers without silencing sisters. We must not be seduced into believing that patriarchy will save us.
Melissa Harris-Lacewell is Associate Professor of Politics and African American Studies at Princeton University.
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Behind Coretta's Veil: Black Women and the Burdens of Loss
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View All Comments »pkstripes at 04/05/2008 8:13:49 AM
Comment:
Compare/contrast Mrs. King and Mrs. Kennedy. Both tragedies, of course. Peer closely behind the veils, and this article resounds with significance.
doghouse at 04/04/2008 11:46:25 PM
Comment:
I was born in the 1950's and remember my mother being so mad and upset, I just knew it must be the end of black people. My teacher tried to explain to us why so many black people felt so helpless. I finally understood my mother's pain. I understood her dislike of other races. I didn't dislike white people because there were none in my neighhood. I only saw them on our trips down town when we shopped. To day I think Martin Luther King would be happy and sad. Sad at how much lack of respect our children have, how they know nothing of how we are got here and how our parents laid there lives on the line for us. He would happy to see how for we have come as a race. How we have young children as it really is and what to make a difference.
The Vernon at 04/04/2008 11:34:25 PM
Comment:
God Bless You.
It is time for us as black woman to let go of the veil of the "Strong Black Woman." This unwelcomed characterization of black woman has kept us from reaching out for help as we die silently under the burden of the image of strong black woman.
At the age of 40, I carry the undubious title of "strong black woman." I don't hold this title in high esteem. It feels more like a burden than anything else. Clearly we don't have permission to feel weak, depressed, overwhelmed, sad, on the verge of a nervous breakdown or anything like that because then those who look to us for guidance, counsel and support might be forced to see that we are a person just like them - Insecure, vulnerable, afraid and looking for peace.
Thank God I have Jesus. If it were not for my relationship with Jesus, my husband and my ministry, I would be a basket case.
Pastor Susan Johnson Cooke refers to us a "Pothole Sisters" we take the bumps and bruises and keep moving. By the time we totally crash, the repairs that need to be done are costly and far more extensive than if we would have come in for repair at the first sign of trouble.
I do not believe that as black women we are looking for anyone to throw us a parade but we must find a better way to support one another. We must give each other permission to " fall apart" for a minute and know that someone will help us pull it back together after we have had a good cry or have taken a mental sabbatical for an hour or two.
Terrie Williams just released a book entitled "Black Pain." I have not read it yet but I am sure that it will speak to the need for restoration and renewal.