Dear Sisters,

For Black women, vulnerability can feel like a rebellion against a world that demands we be unbreakable. The “strong Black woman” stereotype casts us as resilient pillars, capable of carrying endless burdens with a smile. While our strength is a gift, it can also be a cage, making it hard to embrace our softness without feeling we’ve let others down. A 2023 study in Social Forces by Banks & Ford highlights how Black women face disproportionate stressors—work, family, systemic inequities—that reinforce this expectation to always be strong.

One reader shared, “As a Black woman, if I admit I’m tired or cry, I feel like I’m failing everyone.” This resonates deeply, as the pressure to be stoic can make vulnerability feel risky. Yet, our femininity thrives when we allow ourselves to rest, to feel, to be human. On X, @BlackFemVoices (May 2025) reminds us: “We’re expected to be strong but not TOO strong. Vulnerability is our right.” Sisters, let’s redefine strength to include softness, embracing our full selves without guilt.

How do you balance strength and vulnerability? Share your story below or on X, and let’s uplift each other.

With love and grace,
Dawn – Femininity Regained