Why are Black women always called in to "fix it?" Black women are not the clean up women. Black women are not required to fix it.

Oh, my. I’m sorry. Here, there will be NO cookies. NO ONE is handing out cookies for you doing the RIGHT THING. It is almost like me handing a chocolate chip cookie to the sun and saying thank you for shining.I am not today, tomorrow or EVER going to hand out cookies because White people see the humanity of Black people. I am not baking cookies because you have seen the light and understand Black people are oppressed in America. I am not handing out cookies because you have removed your rose-colored glasses and have decided to stand with Black people fighting for justice. I will NEVER hand out cookies because you have chosen to treat Black people like human beings worthy of freedom, equity, and righteousness.

Imagine your history being so horrible you want to ban people from learning it. This Black history month it is time for America to face its true history.

I am challenging Black women to reclaim you. Reclaim yourself. Find your peace and your center. Reclaim the true meaning of self-care before the world took it and commercialized it. As Audre Lorde said, “Caring for myself is not self-indulgence; it is self-preservation, and that is an act of political warfare.” Your joy is an act of defiance because this world never intended for Black women to have joy. Please know that you are under no obligation to save this world, Black women. You do not need to have any loyalty to your oppressor. The only reward this world has ever given Black women for being undervalued, overworked, and underpaid is an early grave. And engraved on your headstone will be the words, she was a strong Black woman. And the world will keep right on turning. The world will find another Black woman they can use as their nursemaid. Another Black woman to be their mule to carry their sins and burdens. Another Black woman they can call resilient and strong. Another Black woman whose back they can use as a steppingstone. So, please, Black women, know this is your moment. This moment is about you and your peace, happiness, and love. This moment is not about anyone else. This moment is about you. You are under no obligation to be Superwoman. It is okay to tell this world that you are giving up your cape.

I find it funny yet typical that White people want to legislate their way out of discomfort. Since they cannot control the undeniable truth, they will attempt to control how it makes them feel.When laws like the Individual Freedom bill and others we have seen around the country are written, they are never about Black people. The White is simply silent. White people create these laws for White people. But you cannot legislate your way out of discomfort.

Before you rush to Google on Monday to search for a quote that you can post by Dr. King, I would ask that you look at the totality of his life and message and hold it up to the way you live your life. Do not merely quote words that make you feel good and do not challenge your thinking and actions. Do not tweet quotes that are nothing more than a Twitter performance when in actuality you have done nothing to support the causes that impact Black America. Ask yourself am I advancing his dream or contributing to the nightmare.