I don't want to fit

March 08, 2021 by Ikeranda Smith in black, black mothers, life, love, motherhood, women of color, women's rights, womensupportingwomen

Being a woman is birthed from so much pain. The resilience I carry in my stride has carried me through many moments in life. My body has ached from the things it has endured. I am so proud of it. I continue to look at all the ways the world has tried to put in me in a box just because of who I am. It won’t work; however I appreciate how hard society tells me to marry by a certain time + birth just enough children to keep me from ever seeing the light of day. I laugh at how the world embraces the notion that makes me subservient in every space. I never listen because I know that it doesn’t apply to me.

Tulips Bloom When They Want

March 01, 2021 by Ikeranda Smith in black mothers, children, love, parenting, motherhood, relationships

There are moments in life when you have to make a decision that hurts you in places that you can’t seem to articulate. When you reach for the words, you can’t even begin to complete the sentences for fear of running into your own feelings. I understand the amount of work it takes to stay sane. It is dangerous when you leave doors + windows unlocked to a house you never owned keys to. It will leave you vacant in ways that you often wonder who ever granted permission to so many unworthy people.

My Strength Is In My Womahood

November 07, 2018 by Ikeranda Smith in women of color, womensupportingwomen, women's rights, white fragility, leadership

What do you do when all you perceive contradicts, what you know to be right? When your ancestors fought for privileges that you never were required to share. Meanwhile life is requiring you to allocate the equity that you are so unfamiliar with rationing. I get it, it’s complicated! In such a conflicting climate, where females are fighting for women’s rights; there is still a silent divide. It’s hidden behind spouses, concealed beneath salaries, nestled in the quaint neighborhoods we choose to reside in + the spaces we decide to occupy with the friends we choose to appease. I get it; its layered!