The systems around us work hard to convince us we aren't worthy of love—that's a lie. They also work hard to show us the” right” way to love—that's wrong. Here are three Black-centered love affirmations to practice this week.
"I am worthy of love in all forms. I don't have to earn love because it's my birthright." Anti-Blackness weighs on our spirits. From patriarchal ideals to capitalism's constant grind, this is a reminder that love is divine, Blackness is love, and you're already worthy.
"When I love myself deeply, I can show up for my community wholeheartedly." We've always been communal people. But this world teaches us that romantic love is the pinnacle of love and that chasing the white-picket-fence version of love is the only way. But it's not. When we vow to care for ourselves, we also commit to loving our community behind the usual binary of romance.
"I move in love but refuse to extend love to people or systems that threaten my well-being." Many of us were taught to turn the other cheek, but with anti-Blackness attacking us left and right, it's okay not to extend love or grace to things that directly oppose our existence.
We're fed endless reasons not to love ourselves, but we know Black love is divine. That's all that has ever truly mattered.