My Heroes: Happy Women's History Month

Janet Hubert as Vivan Banks, "Fresh Prince of Bel-Air"

As we celebrate Women's History Month 2021, I like to reflect on the women who have greatly influenced my life and left a lasting impression on the womanly attributes a little girl-like-me would aspire to emulate. Whether in my own family or in pop culture these women were the creme de la creme, belle of the ball, or that chick to watch with every move and every word these ladies did it with swag and strength. Growing up in the 90’s, I had a plethora of role models to look up to with the rise of women rights and representation on-and-off-screen it was clear that the women of the 90s, particularly Black women, were a force to be reckoned with. The two women in Pop Culture I am celebrating this Women’s Month are Janet Hubert (OG Aunt Viv’, Fresh Prince of Bel-Air) and Jasmine Guy, (Whitley Gilbert, A Different World). Their femininity, grace, and presence, and intelligence filled every room they walked into and it left me in awe. These are the women who shaped my young mind and showed me what it meant to command a room, care for your family, and how to always stand up for what you believed in.

Jasmine Guy as Whitley Gilbert, "A Different World"

Yes, the characters may have been fictionally but they were impactful enough to spark confidence in this little girl. Literally the epitome of a modernly sophisticated woman, the blueprint of what ‘black girl joy’ and “classy, bougie, & sometimes ratchet”, they broke away from the monolith of what Black women were expected to operate within society. Plus I cannot forget about their love for the arts (dance, music, theater) and of course their fashion was always on point. No one could wear a mink coat or a houndstooth miniskirt like Whitley or sashay into the room like Professor V. Banks in a matching pantsuit or pencil dress, blazer, with the kitten pumps (“I live for those scenes!” - squeals). So, I say thank you to these women for showing me at a very young age the possibilities that I could achieve.

To the women who raised me, my grandmother, mother, and my sister who’s still guiding me and mentoring till this day. I say thank you and thank God for you because you are truly my village. You helped me prosper over adversity, sacrifice and moved to a foreign country to build wealth for our family, and showed me how to organize and manage my life, career, and how to do business. Womanhood can be hard but you made it look authentic, fun, and reminded me to take care of myself first before pouring back into my village. Your blunt honesty was always delivered with care and always served a purpose to only making me better, you helped me find my voice. You are truly an inspiration that I reference to when I need strength. Happy International Women’s day to all the phenomenal women out there.

Comment down below on the women who have influenced your life for the better.