Gabrielle Union’s speech at Essence’s Black Women In Hollywood Luncheon was beyond real, and definitely an eye-opener. At some point, we’ve all engaged in pettiness towards other women provoked by envy or jealousy. It’s really a dangerous thing.
I can appreciate Gabby’s pure honesty and willingness to share her past mistakes as she talked about her role in the competitive place of Black Hollywood. A place where roles are limited and females supporting each other is a rare occurrence.
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“We live in a town that rewards pretending. I had been pretending to be fierce and fearless for a very long time. I was a victim masquerading as a survivor. I stayed when I should have run. I was quiet when I should have spoken up. I turned a blind eye to injustice instead of having the courage to stand up for what’s right. I used to shrink in the presence of other dope beautiful women. I used to revel in gossip and rumors, and I lived for the negativity inflicted upon my sister actresses or anyone who I felt whose shine diminished my own.
It’s easy to pretend ‘to be fierce and fearless because living your truth takes real courage. Real fearless and fierce women admit mistakes and they work to correct them. We stand up and we use our voices for things other than self promotion. We don’t stand by and let racism and sexism and homophobia run rapid on our watch. Real fearless and fierce women complement other women and we recognize and embrace that their shine in no way diminishes our light and that it actually makes our light shine brighter.
So many of us in this room are sisters. We don’t always get to see each other and its good to see you here today. Women who we’ve laughed with, cried with, and struggled with, thank you for not turning your back on me, thank you for not tap dancing on my misery, even when I wasn’t always returning the favor.”
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Hi, I'm Necole!
