Yasmyn Belle
Growing up, it was hard for me to “own my blackness”. Although I am of African and Caribbean descent on both sides of my family, with a black dad and an Arab/mixed mother, my appearance doesn’t always get claimed as “black”. Usually, I’m categorized in the “mixed” race box and for me, it created an identity crisis for much of my life on how I was socially allowed to act, dress, and enjoy life. I was often called “white-washed” or “an inside-out Oreo” and in return, I made myself small and what I thought would be more “likable”. I would straighten my hair, wear clothes that hid my curves… I would even listen to music and watch shows and movies that I didn’t even like and this lasted probably into my first few years of university!
It really feels like I woke up one day and said enough is enough. I felt as though there was a new wave of representation and appreciation of black women starting and it inspired me to get in touch with myself and my roots. I slowly had to unlearn all the opinions and viewpoints placed upon me by others to fully embrace what we now call “black girl magic”.
For as long as I have remembered, I’ve had the privilege of being surrounded by “black girl magic” before it was even a thing. From my grandmother's lessons on how to be a lady to my godmother making inspiring moves working for the Canadian embassy, to my aunt being the most hallmark movie girl mom you could imagine, I have always been surrounded by black girl magic, love, and inspiration. Today, my closest friends are also some of the biggest influences of black girl magic in my life. You know what they say, you are the company you keep!
As I grow older, I always try to harness black girl magic in everything I do intentionally. From how I dress to how I carry myself and speak, I always do it with the intention of taking up space and feeling and looking good while I do so. To me, “black girl magic” is about being unapologetically yourself and the magnetizing energy that comes from that confidence. Black girl magic is professional, colourful, elevated, it-girl energy and I can’t wait to see all the accomplishments to come from this community of magical black girls around the world.