We're Going to Need More Wine

by Gabrielle Union

“Stay afraid, but do it anyway.”

Now that I am on the other side of it, and proud of my blackness, they wouldn’t know what to do with me. People don’t know what to do with you if you are not trying to assimilate.

“You were fly, dope, and amazing from birth,” I would tell that girl now. “From the second you took your first breath, you were worthwhile and valid. And I’m sorry you had to wait so long to learn that for yourself.”

I resolve to embrace my sexuality and my freedom to do with my body parts as I see fit. And I will learn about my body so I can take care of it and get the pleasure I deserve. I will share that information with anyone and everyone, and not police the usage of any vagina but my own.

Having more black people around increases opportunities to learn and evolve, but that alone doesn’t undo racist systems or thought processes.

Because dark skin and Afrocentric features are not curses. We are beautiful. We are amazing and accomplished and smart.

It’s the moment where you reclaim your sanity by going insane, the burst of clarity that comes with blind rage.

“An empress does not concern herself with the antics of fools.”