A Note from Habeebah
“I break chains all by myself / Won’t let my freedom rot in hell”
Beyonce, Freedom
Greetings Friends,
I recently listened to Michael Harriot’s book, Black AF History: The Un-Whitewashed Story of America, and was struck by (and grateful for) the stories of Black women that he highlighted. Black women are largely excluded from the history we’ve been taught, yet we stand on their shoulders.
Black women continue to lead the way in resisting injustice, creating culture, and demanding freedom for ourselves and all people.
The courageousness of Black women may be unsung but I’m not alone in understanding that Black women’s boldness and vision for more just, life-affirming, and abundant ways of being make it possible to exist with some modicum of hope today. It was this intuitive awareness that inspired me to create No Crystal Stair Podcast.
During the season of despair I experienced after the murder of George Floyd, I needed to anchor myself in the knowing that we as Black people are not destined only to suffer and die. Though my heart was aching for myself, my sons, and my community, I knew that Black women, our mothers and othermothers, would show me the way back to hope.
The beautiful stories that Black mothers shared with me on the podcast indeed helped keep me alive these past several years. I needed their laughter, wisdom, and vulnerability more than my guests knew. In fact, the women I interviewed in the first season had everything to do with me summoning the courage to enter the podcast space and focus on Black mothers and our sons.
One of my guests, in particular, came to mind as I listened to the stories of the dynamic, world-changing Black women in Harriot’s book: Dr. Shemariah Arki.
Shemariah is a freedom fighter who understands that none of us can be free until all of us are free—and that the work of abolition for Black womxn and children must continue until true freedom is won.
If you haven’t already listened to Shemariah’s episode from March 2022, check it out. Her charisma, humor and honesty have remained with me since we recorded. She embodies a magnetism and wit that I imagine foremothers like Toni Morrison and Fannie Lou Hamer exuding during their lives. I’d love to hear from you how listening to “A #BlackCommaFeminist Perspective” impacted you.
Lest this message imply that I have bought into the “strong Black woman” trope, be clear:
I celebrate courageous Black women while knowing that there is a tremendous cost for resisting oppression and speaking truth to power. Even as I write, Black women are experiencing losses of employment, reputation, health, and our very lives because we are showing up with boldness. The toll of our bravery shows up in our bodies and the bodies of our babies.
Those with power have become even more violent and oppressive since spring of 2022 and the struggle for justice more difficult. I pray for the safety, protection, well-being, and healing of the boldest of my sisters and will do all I can to keep showing up for them…and for myself. I invite you to join me in doing the same.
To my good sis, Shemariah, may you experience the might of your village as you continue to inspire our most radical visions for justice, rest, healing, and liberation. We love you, sis.
Peace and Blessings,
Habeebah
March 10, 2024
