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Dr. Carey Yazeed's avatar

First, let me start by thanking you for taking out some time to read my work, I appreciate you. Secondly, this comment was EVERYTHING! We had the exact same feelings while watching her interview. Some people applauded how he treated her and that really bothered me, because society (including other Blacks) feel that outspoken Black women, confident Black women, and intelligent Black women need to be handled and “put in our place” which I felt Sharpe was trying do. I also love the term “Womaning While Black.” Please trademark it, put it on a t-shirt, and definitely use it as your Substack newsletter title❤️

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Benivia Lee's avatar

Definitely to TM "Womaning While Black."...I wanted to circle back as I had an opportunity to see and meet Amanda in Baltimore a few days ago and listen to her share thoughts and feelings of how she was/is treated by our community was so revealing...unfortunate + appalling to say the least {She actually saw Shannon the day prior at the airport and he wouldn't acknowledge her}. I admire her {+ those like her}, who continue to stand in their truth, regardless of the level of difficulty and still {without measure}, persist in showing up for the greater cause. Mental health in our community, though more of a norm now, still has a way to go regarding the "how + who". Not necessarily to promote the series, The CHI {which I love}, but I had an opportunity to see this cast in NY last week as they discussed this season's focus being around black men and mental health. Kudos to our people who are working together and continued prayer + light for those who still struggle to see the richness and possibility of us doing so.

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Benivia Lee's avatar

So...I watched this last night, start to finish. Let me begin by saying THANK YOU! It never ceases to amaze me how we, as black people, approach and attack one another. Her vulnerability from the start should have been greeted and handled with care, but how often is this warning, "Womaning While Black" {a term I made up for when I'm faced with aggression or a stance that other non-black females or males, in general, don't face - A Substack I'm working on} ignored? Her genius and capability to keep the conversation tied together so eloquently and directly completely went over his head. The way she shared, in detail, HER story...the ups + downs of her life...was a gift for those watching. Not because she is famous, but because she was transparent and, although some didn't see it, humble. She wasn't claiming something that wasn't hers to claim. The aggressive stance he took towards her was repulsive and the way he challenged her Autism diagnosis was appalling. I found myself talking to the TV and cheering for her when she responded to his ignorance while looking him in the eye, sipping her water, and giving him a minute to catch up in the conversation. It is so unfortunate that still, in 2024, the shades of our skin tones keep us separated...very slave-like and intentional. I have so many more thoughts about this interview {as many of us do}, but I am glad that you, Dr.Yazeed, shared this word today. It gave me a place to lay my thoughts this morning as I continue processing them and recognize that there is still so much work to be done.

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