As millennial Black girls, we all can agree that we’ve heard “you’re too grown” or “stay in a child’s place.” Subconsciously, we were taught to be quiet and not cause chaos - to tone our true selves down and blend in. But the space that society is in now accepts the loudness, the eclectic, and femininity of Black women - that many of us found through urban fiction.
When I think of feminism, I think of Sister Soulja, who established the ghetto voice through experience, authenticity, and activism. Through her lyrics and narratives, she was the spokesperson that blended black community uplift, hip-hop & culture, and girlhood of the inner city. Sister Souljah put on for the young girls with a strong presence, powerful voice, and bamboo earrings to come after.
In the urban fiction book world, we can’t discuss feminism without mentioning Zane. With works of art like Addicted, The Sex Chronicles, and Skyscraper - Zane taught Black women to embrace their sexuality and exploration. As the pioneer of black erotica, her bold and explicit writing changed how society accepted the taboo conversation.
Rereading these books as a grown woman hits differently than what it did as a teenager. We found ourselves whole. For the majority of us, we found our liberation through familiarity, courage, and vulnerability told by Black women.
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