On Tuesday, February 13 from 12:30 pm to 2:00 pm at Old Main Colloquium, a black history month panel discussion will be held.
Panelists will discuss the black woman superhero complex, elaborating on their personal experiences and opinions on the strong black women narrative.
What is Black Woman Superhero Complex?
The black woman superhero complex describes the unrealistic standards society holds on black women or even, what they place on themselves. Essence Magazine, a black-owned lifestyle magazine tailored for black women, holds an annual festival called the ESSENCE Festival of Culture. During the 2022 festival, executive wellness coach, author, international speaker and professor Shana D. Lewis, Ph.D., LPC, NCC addressed the issues with the black woman superhero complex. Lewis explains how it is common to confuse “sacrifice for success”, feeling the constant need to go above and beyond or be “super” constantly. Lewis describes the toll this takes on ones mental health, saying its important to acknowledge “the real-life weathering that takes place to our bodies when we don’t embrace truth and proper self-care.”
A critical point mentioned, was the importance of a support system, Lewis compares this to geese. She explains how a goose can fly 300 miles by itself, but when it flies with a group, it conserves energy, allowing it to fly greater distances.
Shana D. Lewis
“Dr. Shana D. Lewis is a Licensed Professional Counselor and a National Certified Counselor turned Executive Wellness Coach. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, a Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology and a Ph.D. in Counselor Education.“
“She is also the founder of Her VOICE a non profit organization dedicated to empowering survivors of domestic violence to live healthy lives thru mentorship and education.”
STRONG
An acronym formed to help guide the rebuilding of black women’s wellbeing.
Stop being complicit in your own demise; you have a choice.
Tell the truth that it’s not okay and be honest about not being okay.
Remember how we got here, via generations of pressure placed on Black women.
Own what’s yours, give away what’s not.
Never apologize for choosing you first.
Get some help.
About the Event
The Panel will be moderated by the assistant director of multicultural life and diversity, Katrina Hodge.
Panelists will include:
Yolanda Clarke, assistant professor of health
Tracy Hudson, assistant professor of physical education
Eden Strachan, author and founder of Black Girls Don’t Get Love
Natalie Marie Angela Yoder, area coordinator in the Residence Life and Housing Office
Student Kyrstin White
Student Kyla Young