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Afro-american lady looking at boyfriend with hope, misunderstanding, conflict

<span style="background-color: rgba(249,250,251,var(--tw-bg-opacity)); font-family: inherit; font-size: calc(16px * var(--body-fontSize, 1)); font-style: var(--body-fontStyle, normal); font-weight: inherit;" data-mce-style="background-color: rgba(249,250,251,var(--tw-bg-opacity)); font-family: inherit; font-size: calc(16px * var(--body-fontSize, 1)); font-style: var(--body-fontStyle, normal); font-weight: inherit;">You ever have someone do you so dirty, cross so many lines, and then have the unmitigated gall to pop back up like they’re the victim? That’s Pierre for me. My former BFF.This man has to be a certified narcissist. I can’t think of any other explanation. He showed his whole behind, dismissed my pain, and even tried to gaslight me about my own life. And now, he wants to reach out? Sir, be for real.<figure id="figure-gfzrj58ecmm58r2g2s"><img id="gfzrj58ecmm58r2g2s" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/2189038493/photo/creative-collage-picture-of-unsatisfied-girl-push-big-black-white-gamma-arm-fingers-show.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=N3cqJN5Tj2_fYV-2Q-CYfJmelG62rgFILM5AKwlODSQ=" alt="Creative collage picture of unsatisfied girl push big black white gamma arm fingers show korean love gesture like notification" title="Creative collage picture of unsatisfied girl push big black white gamma arm fingers show korean love gesture like notification" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/2189038493/photo/creative-collage-picture-of-unsatisfied-girl-push-big-black-white-gamma-arm-fingers-show.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=N3cqJN5Tj2_fYV-2Q-CYfJmelG62rgFILM5AKwlODSQ=" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure><h3>What Exactly Do They Be Thinking?</h3>Here’s what blows me, Sis: the lack of self-awareness. Narcissists have this uncanny ability to rewrite history in their minds. They’ll betray you, belittle you, and then convince themselves that you’re the problem. And then they have the nerve to pop back up like nothing happened.Pierre didn’t just hurt me—he humiliated himself. The way he dismissed my experience, mocked my trauma, and stood ten toes down in his nonsense was enough to show me who he really is. But instead of reflecting, apologizing, or, I don’t know, leaving me alone, he decides to spin the block.For what?<h3>The Audacity Is Their Superpower</h3>If there’s one thing narcissists have in abundance, it’s audacity. They’ll treat you like dirt and then wonder why you’re not rolling out the red carpet for their return.Pierre knows what he did. He knows how he made me feel. But narcissists aren’t built to take accountability. To them, it’s easier to paint you as angry, bitter, or ungrateful than to admit they were wrong.Sis, let me tell you something—there’s freedom in recognizing the pattern. Once you see the narcissist for who they are, it’s like the spell breaks. You stop expecting growth, closure, or accountability because you realize they don’t have it to give.<figure id="figure-3vkeg3n0w8m58r4m6a"><img id="3vkeg3n0w8m58r4m6a" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1264145800/photo/concept-of-online-communication-or-social-networking-wooden-cubes-with-speech-bubbles-linked.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=TRHFRcWmAkvVnueVKUr1hAgAPQS41K1h25GnS09rmco=" alt="Concept of online communication or social networking. Wooden cubes with speech bubbles linked to each other." title="Concept of online communication or social networking. Wooden cubes with speech bubbles linked to each other." class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1264145800/photo/concept-of-online-communication-or-social-networking-wooden-cubes-with-speech-bubbles-linked.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=TRHFRcWmAkvVnueVKUr1hAgAPQS41K1h25GnS09rmco=" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure><h3>Why Reach Out Now?</h3>That’s the million-dollar question, isn’t it? Why now? Why reach out after all this time?The answer is simple: narcissists hate losing control. They can’t stand the idea that you’ve moved on, healed, or found peace without them. They’ll reach out not because they care, but because they want to reinsert themselves into your life and remind you of their presence.But Sis, let me be clear: their return isn’t about you. It’s about them. It’s about their need to feel important, to keep you in their orbit, to validate their own ego.<h3>What I Know Now</h3>Here’s what I’ve learned: responding to a narcissist is like feeding a stray cat—they’ll keep coming back. The best thing you can do is ignore them. Silence speaks louder than any response ever could.Pierre’s messages? Still unread. His calls? Unanswered. Not because I’m angry, but because I’m at peace. I don’t need his validation, his apology, or his explanations.What I need is my peace, my sanity, and my boundaries. And Sis, those are non-negotiable.<figure id="figure-6zar83rexwm58r6jih"><img id="6zar83rexwm58r6jih" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1076954160/photo/offended-woman-looking-at-boyfriend-outdoor-date-misunderstanding-conflict.jpg?b=1&s=2048x2048&w=0&k=20&c=oCkOaZJyXuQkoBwsjV0NvTg7xRBucJVcj4HldBYAsLw=" alt="Offended woman looking at boyfriend, outdoor date, misunderstanding, conflict" title="Offended woman looking at boyfriend, outdoor date, misunderstanding, conflict" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionX="undefined" data-positionY="undefined" data-fullWidth="false"/></figure><h2>Writing Exercise: Recognizing the Patterns</h2>Take some time to journal about the people in your life who’ve shown narcissistic tendencies. Write down:<ol><li>The ways they’ve dismissed your feelings or experiences.</li><li>The patterns you’ve noticed in their behavior.</li><li>How you can protect yourself from their influence moving forward.</li></ol><h3>My Message to You</h3>Sis, dealing with a narcissist is draining. They’ll twist the truth, manipulate your emotions, and leave you questioning your own reality. But here’s what you need to know: you don’t owe them anything. Not your time, not your energy, and definitely not your forgiveness.Pierre’s messages will stay unread because I’ve already read the situation loud and clear. He’s not coming back into my life, and neither is the chaos he brings.So when that narcissist in your life tries to pop back up, remember this: you don’t have to open the door just because they knock. Protect your peace, stand firm in your boundaries, and keep moving forward.Because Sis, you de<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: calc(16px * var(--body-fontSize, 1)); font-weight: inherit; font-style: var(--body-fontStyle, normal); background-color: rgba(249,250,251,var(--tw-bg-opacity));" data-mce-style="font-family: inherit; font-size: calc(16px * var(--body-fontSize, 1)); font-weight: inherit; font-style: var(--body-fontStyle, normal); background-color: rgba(249,250,251,var(--tw-bg-opacity));">serve better. You’ve always deserved better.With love and light,E 💜<figure id="figure-6ry6axdn5m58qw44u"><img id="6ry6axdn5m58qw44u" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/32Lczp0aiOtXcUyPL3u9k7C3rvbUEjHv0CwlF7Chrq3AydFW8z6qrfFXIcqWPrlS.png" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 1/1; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="1:1" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/32Lczp0aiOtXcUyPL3u9k7C3rvbUEjHv0CwlF7Chrq3AydFW8z6qrfFXIcqWPrlS.png" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 1/1; object-position: center center;"></figure>

The Narcissist Chronicles: Why His Messages Will Stay Unread

<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: calc(16px * var(--body-fontSize, 1)); font-weight: inherit; font-style: var(--body-fontStyle, normal); background-color: rgba(249,250,251,var(--tw-bg-opacity));" data-mce-style="font-family: inherit; font-size: calc(16px * var(--body-fontSize, 1)); font-weight: inherit; font-style: var(--body-fontStyle, normal); background-color: rgba(249,250,251,var(--tw-bg-opacity));">Hey Sis, let me tell you what I realized. There’s something profound about falling in love with yourself. For so long, I gave all my love away—first to men who didn’t deserve it, then to my kids, and then to everyone else around me. I was running on empty, pouring from a cup that had nothing left to give. After my cycles of abuse ended, I didn’t even know how to begin to start loving myself again.<h3>The hardest part? Believing I was worth it.</h3>When my kids’ dad finally decided to be done for good, I felt relief—not sadness. But that didn’t mean the damage he caused magically disappeared. Every insult, every manipulative move, every time he made me feel small—it all stayed with me, etched deep in my spirit. He didn’t just break me with his words; he broke me physically and emotionally. He stole from me, ripped out my hair, destroyed my clothes, and left scars on my face that were more than skin deep. I had already been doing everything on my own, carrying the weight of our lives while he tore me down at every turn. By the time he walked out, I was already shattered—but I was ready to rebuild, for me and my kids.<figure id="figure-9srcjzwggm501cbjl"><img id="9srcjzwggm501cbjl" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/173802561/photo/i-heart-me-self-improvement-love-message-in-sand.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=8CthXPxVainx2KzjoOv_ZAna7a681qZ8jeRp7B7KN-8=" alt="I Heart Me Self Improvement Love Message in Sand" title="I Heart Me Self Improvement Love Message in Sand" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/173802561/photo/i-heart-me-self-improvement-love-message-in-sand.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=8CthXPxVainx2KzjoOv_ZAna7a681qZ8jeRp7B7KN-8=" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure>It wasn’t a dramatic moment. I didn’t have some big epiphany. It was quiet—a whisper inside me saying, “You deserve better.” That whisper became a roar, and soon, I started doing the work to become the woman I wanted to see in the mirror.I started small. Taking walks. Journaling. Spending a little extra time on my hair. Those small acts of self-care were like breadcrumbs leading me back to myself. I learned that how I presented myself wasn’t just about appearance—it was a reflection of how I felt inside. Even now, when I post pictures of myself looking and feeling good, it’s not about showing off. It’s about showing up—for myself.When you’re healing, people don’t always understand the glow-up. They see you smiling and think it’s superficial. But what they don’t see is the pain you overcame to get here. They don’t see the nights you cried yourself to sleep or the mornings you had to force yourself out of bed.<h3>Healing is messy, sis. But it’s powerful.</h3>When I started loving myself, my whole world shifted. I became intentional about the energy I allowed in my life. I stopped settling—for people, for situations, for love that wasn’t real. Now, when someone approaches me, they already know: You can’t play with me. Why? Because I’ve learned to love myself so deeply, I don’t need validation from anyone else.And let me tell you, that kind of love is transformative.<figure id="figure-457c8pgnafm501aaip"><img id="457c8pgnafm501aaip" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/1ayW3uSfRALYPVP7CSu6CGFIfQiMpmMytKg3fugCsNiRO5rxmAzourf6fK6i7bhu.jpg" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 1/1; object-position: 65% 0%;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="1:1" data-caption="" data-positionx="65%" data-positiony="0%" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/1ayW3uSfRALYPVP7CSu6CGFIfQiMpmMytKg3fugCsNiRO5rxmAzourf6fK6i7bhu.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 1/1; object-position: 65% 0%;"></figure>It’s not just about looking good on the outside—it’s about feeling good on the inside. It’s about walking into a room with your head held high, knowing that your worth isn’t up for debate. That energy is magnetic. People feel it, and they’re either inspired by it or intimidated by it. Either way, it’s their problem, not yours.<h3>Healing is a journey, not a destination.</h3>Every day, I choose to love myself a little more. And in doing so, I’m not just healing myself—I’m teaching my kids how to love themselves too. Because when they see me thriving, they know that no matter what life throws at them, they can thrive too.So here’s to you, sis—the woman reading this who’s still trying to figure it all out. You are worthy. You are beautiful. And you are capable of healing.Fall in love with yourself. The world will adjust.With Love &amp; PurposeE 💜

The Power of Falling in Love with Yourself

Portrait of a beautiful woman in white hyposphila flowers.

<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: calc(16px * var(--body-fontSize, 1)); font-weight: inherit; font-style: var(--body-fontStyle, normal); background-color: rgba(249,250,251,var(--tw-bg-opacity));" data-mce-style="font-family: inherit; font-size: calc(16px * var(--body-fontSize, 1)); font-weight: inherit; font-style: var(--body-fontStyle, normal); background-color: rgba(249,250,251,var(--tw-bg-opacity));">Hey Sis, l<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: calc(16px * var(--body-fontSize, 1)); font-weight: inherit; font-style: var(--body-fontStyle, normal); background-color: rgba(249,250,251,var(--tw-bg-opacity));" data-mce-style="font-family: inherit; font-size: calc(16px * var(--body-fontSize, 1)); font-weight: inherit; font-style: var(--body-fontStyle, normal); background-color: rgba(249,250,251,var(--tw-bg-opacity));">et’s talk about freedom—not just the kind that feels like stepping outside on a crisp morning or clearing out a cluttered closet, but the freedom that unchains your spirit. The kind that lets you breathe deeper, stand taller, and walk boldly in your purpose. That’s what spirituality has been for me—a long-awaited homecoming to myself. It’s been a process, a revelation, and honestly, the most transformative experience of my life.For years, I lived by the rules. I lived within the confines of what I thought faith should be. Growing up in the church, Christianity gave me a foundation—a rock to cling to when life felt turbulent. It gave me hope, strength, and community, but at the same time, it kept me bound. Bound by traditions, expectations, and interpretations that didn’t always feel like they fit the essence of who I was or the journey I was on.<figure id="figure-g1b453u95m57gc72t"><img id="g1b453u95m57gc72t" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1248636899/photo/feeling-free-and-happy.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=UJQk1w7ynDBWsaRmfmxsSOQblG0P2GsuoNvhtMHWSuM=" alt="Feeling free and happy" title="Feeling free and happy" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: undefined undefined;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1248636899/photo/feeling-free-and-happy.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=UJQk1w7ynDBWsaRmfmxsSOQblG0P2GsuoNvhtMHWSuM=" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: undefined undefined;"></figure><h3>Religion vs. Spirituality: The Great Awakening</h3><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: calc(16px * var(--body-fontSize, 1)); font-weight: inherit; font-style: var(--body-fontStyle, normal); background-color: rgba(249,250,251,var(--tw-bg-opacity));" data-mce-style="font-family: inherit; font-size: calc(16px * var(--body-fontSize, 1)); font-weight: inherit; font-style: var(--body-fontStyle, normal); background-color: rgba(249,250,251,var(--tw-bg-opacity));">I want to be clear, Sis—this isn’t me throwing shade at religion. Religion has its place, and for many, it’s a source of solace and strength. It was for me too. But somewhere along the way, I started feeling like I was trapped inside a box. The prayers, the verses, and the hymns—things I once found comfort in—began to feel like chains holding me back from fully exploring my connection with God.Religion gave me rules, but spirituality gave me wings. It taught me that the divine isn’t confined to a book, a building, or a set of rituals. Spirituality showed me that God is in everything—the sunrise, the laughter of my children, the whispers of my soul late at night. It allowed me to honor the teachings of Christianity while also embracing a deeper understanding of the universe, energy, and myself.Spirituality taught me that it’s okay to ask questions, to seek, and to explore. It’s okay to unlearn and relearn. It’s okay to let go of what no longer serves you and embrace what sets your soul on fire.<figure id="figure-y4oqz4rg5rm57gglc7"><img id="y4oqz4rg5rm57gglc7" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/2063598781/photo/abstract-global-digital-connectivity-in-hands-on-morning-sky-background-elements-of-this.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=ZapYBmLHTT22_k8V7ZOMCN6LS72aMA2_ISVlXmHktaM=" alt="Abstract global digital connectivity in hands on morning sky background. Elements of this image furnished by NASA." title="Abstract global digital connectivity in hands on morning sky background. Elements of this image furnished by NASA." class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: 80% 80%;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="80%" data-positiony="80%" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/2063598781/photo/abstract-global-digital-connectivity-in-hands-on-morning-sky-background-elements-of-this.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=ZapYBmLHTT22_k8V7ZOMCN6LS72aMA2_ISVlXmHktaM=" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: 80% 80%;"></figure><h3>Aligning With My Purpose: The Bigger Picture</h3>It’s funny how life works. For the longest time, I thought my pain and struggles were detours—moments where I veered off the path of where I was supposed to be. But now, I see them for what they were: divine lessons.The Bible says, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28). I’ve heard that verse my whole life, but it wasn’t until I began walking in my spirituality that I truly understood it.Every heartbreak, every betrayal, every storm—it was all working together for my good. The times I felt lost, broken, or defeated were actually the moments I was being refined. Like a phoenix rising from the ashes, I was being prepared for something greater.Spirituality taught me to trust the process, even when it didn’t make sense. It taught me to see every challenge as an opportunity to grow and every setback as a setup for a comeback. It taught me that my purpose wasn’t something I needed to chase but something I needed to align with.<figure id="figure-jojhqrtzksm57gkgi5"><img id="jojhqrtzksm57gkgi5" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/2186576012/photo/enjoy-life-composition-with-woman-silhouette-by-the-sea-with-open-arms.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=L7YuMRtGguerUMSs4i_0eUjYLm_7u2Hke09ITwTDU_Y=" alt="Enjoy life composition with woman silhouette by the sea with open arms" title="Enjoy life composition with woman silhouette by the sea with open arms" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/2186576012/photo/enjoy-life-composition-with-woman-silhouette-by-the-sea-with-open-arms.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=L7YuMRtGguerUMSs4i_0eUjYLm_7u2Hke09ITwTDU_Y=" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure><h3>Breaking Free From Social Constructs</h3>Let’s get real for a minute, Sis. Religion, like so many other systems, is a social construct. It’s been used to divide, control, and sometimes even oppress. But at its core, it’s supposed to connect us—to God, to each other, and to ourselves.Spirituality helped me see past the rules and regulations and get to the heart of what really matters: love, compassion, and truth. It allowed me to reclaim my power as a divine being and reconnect with the divine feminine energy within me.I still hold on to the lessons I learned in church. They are a part of me and always will be. But now, I also embrace the beauty of being free to explore, question, and grow. I’ve learned to trust my intuition, honor my journey, and see God in everything.<figure id="figure-qqycp5o1rfm57gn9fd"><img id="qqycp5o1rfm57gn9fd" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1784162458/photo/travel-road-trip-and-woman-by-car-window-for-adventure-nature-freedom-and-outdoor-lifestyle.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=2C2WHOEqMQ70ljOSx6RP4R2fKBKnK4oxdyKwkOseJW8=" alt="Travel, road trip and woman by car window for adventure, nature freedom and outdoor lifestyle on summer blue sky mockup, Girl in sunglasses and van drive by bush or countryside for holiday experience" title="Travel, road trip and woman by car window for adventure, nature freedom and outdoor lifestyle on summer blue sky mockup, Girl in sunglasses and van drive by bush or countryside for holiday experience" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: undefined undefined;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1784162458/photo/travel-road-trip-and-woman-by-car-window-for-adventure-nature-freedom-and-outdoor-lifestyle.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=2C2WHOEqMQ70ljOSx6RP4R2fKBKnK4oxdyKwkOseJW8=" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: undefined undefined;"></figure><h3>The Beauty of Freedom</h3>There’s something magical about standing in your truth. About saying, “This is who I am, and this is how I connect with the divine.” It’s a kind of freedom I can’t fully put into words, but it’s something I wish for every woman reading this.Freedom doesn’t mean you have all the answers. It means you’re not afraid to ask the questions. It means you’re not bound by fear, guilt, or shame but guided by love, faith, and purpose.For me, spirituality is a dance. Some days it’s a slow, reflective waltz. Other days, it’s a vibrant, energetic salsa. But every step is beautiful because every step is mine.<h3>My Message to You</h3>Sis, if you’re feeling stuck—if you’re questioning your faith, your purpose, or your path—I want you to know that it’s okay. It’s okay to step outside the box and explore what spirituality means to you. It’s okay to let go of what no longer serves you and embrace what sets your soul on fire.You are divine. You are powerful. And you are exactly where you’re supposed to be.<figure id="figure-wo9o6155zm57grigp" class=""><figure id="figure-z1uvsus8rhm57gwbbk"><img id="z1uvsus8rhm57gwbbk" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1864244239/photo/black-woman-resting-breathing-on-the-beach.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=yCNt4XeEkIL55jToBX9LsH2-vpAnztPCQ5E-WUKpc3I=" alt="Black woman resting breathing on the beach" title="Black woman resting breathing on the beach" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: undefined undefined;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1864244239/photo/black-woman-resting-breathing-on-the-beach.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=yCNt4XeEkIL55jToBX9LsH2-vpAnztPCQ5E-WUKpc3I=" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: undefined undefined;"></figure><h3><span style="font-family: var(--head-fontFamily); font-size: calc(30px * var(--head-fontSize, 1)); font-style: var(--head-fontStyle, normal); font-weight: var(--head-fontWeight, 500); background-color: rgba(249,250,251,var(--tw-bg-opacity));" data-mce-style="font-family: var(--head-fontFamily); font-size: calc(30px * var(--head-fontSize, 1)); font-style: var(--head-fontStyle, normal); font-weight: var(--head-fontWeight, 500); background-color: rgba(249,250,251,var(--tw-bg-opacity));">Writing Exercise: Finding Your Freedom</h3></figure>Let’s reflect, Sis. Take some time to answer these prompts and see where they lead you:<ol><li>What beliefs have shaped your spiritual journey so far?</li><li>What does freedom look like for your soul?</li><li>How can you align with your purpose and connect with the divine on your terms?</li></ol>As you walk this path, remember that spirituality isn’t about perfection; it’s about connection. It’s about finding the divine in everything, including yourself. So take your time, trust y<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: calc(16px * var(--body-fontSize, 1)); font-weight: inherit; font-style: var(--body-fontStyle, normal); background-color: rgba(249,250,251,var(--tw-bg-opacity));" data-mce-style="font-family: inherit; font-size: calc(16px * var(--body-fontSize, 1)); font-weight: inherit; font-style: var(--body-fontStyle, normal); background-color: rgba(249,250,251,var(--tw-bg-opacity));">our journey, and know that you are never alone.With love and light,E 💜<figure id="figure-0gg5qgo2ftm58taw57"><img id="0gg5qgo2ftm58taw57" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/32Lczp0aiOtXcUyPL3u9k7C3rvbUEjHv0CwlF7Chrq3AydFW8z6qrfFXIcqWPrlS.png" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 1/1; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="1:1" data-caption="" data-positionX="undefined" data-positionY="undefined" data-fullWidth="false"/></figure>

Breaking the Chains: My Journey to Spirituality and Purpose

Domestic Violence. African American Man Threatening Wife And Daughter With His Fist

<h2>Milwaukee has a problem</h2>Sis, let’s be real for a second. We love our city, but we can’t keep ignore what’s going on right in front of us. Black women and girls in Milwaukee are going through it. And when I say going through it, I’m talking about dealing with violence, neglect, and being ignored by the very systems that are supposed to protect us. That’s not just heartbreaking; it’s maddening and mind boggling. So, let’s break it down because this is a conversation we need to have.<h3>The Reality for Black Women in Milwaukee </h3>Here’s what’s real, sis. Black women in Milwaukee face violence and neglect at rates that would make anybody’s head spin. In 2023 alone, 21 women were killed under abusive circumstances, and 17 of them were Black (Urban Milwaukee, 2023). That’s 81%. Is it resonating with you yet? That’s not just a number—that’s us, our sisters, our daughters, our mothers.And it don’t stop there. When we speak up, the system hits us with skepticism. They question our stories, downplay our pain, and make excuses for our abusers. Courts hand out weak sentences that does nothing but keep the cycle of abuse spinning (Milwaukee Courier, 2023). And let’s not even start on the financial stress, housing struggles, and trauma that keep piling on. It’s all a lot—too much, honestly.<figure id="figure-d35a0qs4b6m4x3k0g0" class=""><img id="d35a0qs4b6m4x3k0g0" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/2abY4F7P0QoOyruIvtTuNHhGztGGYuY7hPEBj3lb5WVjJ2HBwAzQdSESBALHOZGR.png" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 1/1; object-position: undefined undefined;" data-corners="no-rounded" data-aspect="1:1" data-caption="Systemic Neglect And Victimization By Race/Ethnicity In Milwaukee Black women (37.5%), Latina Women (25%), White women (15.6%), Asian women (9.4%), Other (12.5%) " data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/2abY4F7P0QoOyruIvtTuNHhGztGGYuY7hPEBj3lb5WVjJ2HBwAzQdSESBALHOZGR.png" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 1/1; object-position: undefined undefined;"><figcaption class="body-normal text-gray-500 mt-2">Systemic Neglect And Victimization By Race/Ethnicity In Milwaukee Black women (37.5%), Latina Women (25%), White women (15.6%), Asian women (9.4%), Other (12.5%)</figcaption></figure><h3>It’s Not Just Us, but It’s Definitely Us </h3>Let me put it this way: systemic neglect is a problem for women everywhere, but when it comes to Black women, it’s on a whole different level. Check this:<ul><li>Black Women: We’re out here carrying the heaviest load. From battling systemic racism in schools, workplaces, and justice systems to shouldering the weight of family and community, Black women face a constant uphill battle (Urban Milwaukee, 2023). The neglect isn’t just about the justice system—it’s about being invisible in a society that owes us visibility and respect. </li><li>Latina Women: They’re struggling too, often navigating cultural and language barriers that compound their experiences. But their issues don’t intersect as sharply with the deeply entrenched systemic racism that Black women face daily (Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service, 2023). </li><li>White Women: They’ve got their issues, sure. But the systems in place tend to serve them better, giving them easier access to protection, resources, and justice (Urban Milwaukee, 2023). </li><li>Asian Women and Others: Their struggles are real, but they’re often erased from the broader conversation, leaving them without platforms or spaces to share their experiences fully (Milwaukee Courier, 2023). </li></ul>See what I’m saying? This isn’t just a problem; it’s a crisis. And when you zoom in on Milwaukee, it’s even more in your face.<h3>Urban vs. Rural: Same Struggle, Different Scale </h3><figure id="figure-g3d5jrxj7hm4x36koc"><img id="g3d5jrxj7hm4x36koc" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/2c311rkxQONkrPXLqh9sLp650PMga1Cs2GF7jUnBcPphG8WZZo7xCLOA5a532d3w.png" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: undefined undefined;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="The Statewide Comparison: Urban vs. Rural Systemic Neglect by Race/Ethnicity: Black women, White women, Latina women, Asian women, and Other" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/2c311rkxQONkrPXLqh9sLp650PMga1Cs2GF7jUnBcPphG8WZZo7xCLOA5a532d3w.png" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: undefined undefined;"><figcaption class="body-normal text-gray-500 mt-2">The Statewide Comparison: Urban vs. Rural Systemic Neglect by Race/Ethnicity: Black women, White women, Latina women, Asian women, and Other</figcaption></figure>Now, let’s look statewide for a minute. Milwaukee’s got the highest rates of systemic neglect for Black women compared to rural areas. Why? Because we’re packed into an urban environment where resources are stretched thin, and systemic racism hits harder (Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service, 2023). The overcrowding in Milwaukee means fewer resources for more people. Over-policing doesn’t help either—it criminalizes our communities instead of protecting them.In the rural areas, it’s a little quieter—but make no mistake, the neglect is still there. It just looks different. In rural spaces, Black women might face isolation, with even fewer culturally relevant resources and less visible support systems (Milwaukee Courier, 2023). Either way, sis, the struggle is real no matter where you are.<h3>The Real Issue: Where Are the Resources? </h3>Here’s the thing, sis: there aren’t enough resources where they’re needed most. Legal advocacy, trauma recovery programs, community support—they’re either underfunded or nonexistent. Let me break it down for you:<ul><li>Legal Advocacy: Imagine needing someone to fight for you in court but being met with legal systems that prioritize their own convenience over your justice. Black women often can’t afford quality representation, and public defenders are stretched too thin to give cases the attention they deserve (Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service, 2023). Without strong legal advocacy, survivors face their abusers in courtrooms that don’t even see them as victims.</li><li>Trauma Recovery: Healing isn’t optional—it’s necessary. But where are the spaces for us to heal? Most trauma recovery programs aren’t built with Black women in mind. They don’t reflect our experiences, our pain, or our resilience (Urban Milwaukee, 2023). Culturally relevant healing spaces are rare, and when they exist, they’re often out of reach due to costs or location. </li><li>Community Programs: We need programs that uplift us, connect us, and help us thrive. But funding for these programs is minimal at best. Community centers that should be hubs of support are underfunded, understaffed, and often focus on broader community needs without centering Black women specifically (Milwaukee Courier, 2023). </li></ul>This is where the Victim Retribution Network (VRN) comes in. The vision is clear: to fight for our sisters and make sure the resources meet the need.<figure id="figure-72otxxqfsm4x21uqx" class=""><img id="72otxxqfsm4x21uqx" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/1ja7D0cn09VKyvy3NEm0L2yRhVGyq1GVTFBcZrBSQkXPzM8aR8aSRHps1osS8JQL.png" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/1ja7D0cn09VKyvy3NEm0L2yRhVGyq1GVTFBcZrBSQkXPzM8aR8aSRHps1osS8JQL.png" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure><h3>A Path Forward: Reclaiming Our Power </h3>Sis, we’re not just talking about surviving—we’re talking about thriving. That’s what the VRN is all about. Here’s the plan:<ul><li>Advocacy: We’re pushing for tougher laws and stronger protections that actually serve us. This means advocating for mandatory victim notifications, harsher penalties for abusers, and systemic changes that center survivors’ voices (Urban Milwaukee, 2023). We’re done with crumbs; we want the whole loaf. </li><li>Healing: Healing is our birthright, and the VRN is here to create spaces for that. Through programs like mindfulness workshops, expressive writing sessions, and yoga tailored to the experiences of Black women, we’re making sure survivors have what they need to rebuild their lives with strength and dignity (Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service, 2023). </li><li>Community Love: Programs like Clean Streets aren’t just about picking up trash—they’re about reclaiming our neighborhoods. They’re about taking pride in where we live, connecting with our neighbors, and building the village that’s been torn apart by neglect and systemic failures (Milwaukee Courier, 2023). </li></ul><h3>Sis, Let’s Keep It Real </h3>The social contract? You know, that unspoken agreement that we’re supposed to protect and support each other? It’s been broken for Black women in Milwaukee. But here’s the thing: we’re not waiting for anyone to fix it for us. We’re stepping up and making it happen ourselves.The Victim Retribution Network is just the beginning. It’s the first step in reclaiming what’s ours—justice, safety, and healing. And sis, we need you to be part of this. Whether it’s sharing this message, volunteering, or just being there for another sister in need, your presence matters.<h3>Closing Thoughts</h3>We’re not just surviving the storm— we’re building after it. And what we’re building is stronger, bolder, and more powerful than anything that tried to tear us down. This is about more than fixing the system. It’s about rewriting the rules. For us. By us.Are you ready to join the movement? Let’s do this—together. Leave your information in the contact section and I'll be sure to reach out to you soon.With Love &amp; PurposeE 💜&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Sources CitedUrban Milwaukee - Women of Color Face Elevated Rates of Domestic Abuse and Homicide: <a href="https://urbanmilwaukee.com/2023/08/05/women-of-color-face-elevated-rates-of-domestic-abuse-homicide/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-mce-href="https://urbanmilwaukee.com/2023/08/05/women-of-color-face-elevated-rates-of-domestic-abuse-homicide/">https://urbanmilwaukee.com/2023/08/05/women-of-color-face-elevated-rates-of-domestic-abuse-homicide/</a> Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service - Milwaukee a Dangerous City for Women of Color: <a href="https://milwaukeenns.org/2023/08/03/milwaukee-a-dangerous-city-for-women-of-color-new-data-shows/" data-mce-href="https://milwaukeenns.org/2023/08/03/milwaukee-a-dangerous-city-for-women-of-color-new-data-shows/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://milwaukeenns.org/2023/08/03/milwaukee-a-dangerous-city-for-women-of-color-new-data-shows/</a> Milwaukee Courier - Trauma and Systemic Inequities as Root Causes of Domestic Violence: <a href="https://milwaukeecourieronline.com/index.php/2023/11/04/new-data-shows-trauma-and-systemic-inequities-as-root-causes-of-domestic-violence/" data-mce-href="https://milwaukeecourieronline.com/index.php/2023/11/04/new-data-shows-trauma-and-systemic-inequities-as-root-causes-of-domestic-violence/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://milwaukeecourieronline.com/index.php/2023/11/04/new-data-shows-trauma-and-systemic-inequities-as-root-causes-of-domestic-violence/</a> &nbsp;

Let’s Talk About What’s Happening to Our Black Women in Milwaukee

Love, hope and wisdom text engraved on zen stones

<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: calc(16px * var(--body-fontSize, 1)); font-weight: inherit; font-style: var(--body-fontStyle, normal); background-color: rgba(249,250,251,var(--tw-bg-opacity));" data-mce-style="font-family: inherit; font-size: calc(16px * var(--body-fontSize, 1)); font-weight: inherit; font-style: var(--body-fontStyle, normal); background-color: rgba(249,250,251,var(--tw-bg-opacity));">Sis, let’s talk about healing. Not the fluffy, surface-level kind that’s easy to slap on a motivational poster. I mean the deep, gritty, uncomfortable kind of healing. The kind that makes you sit with your pain, question everything, and somehow still find the strength to keep going. Healing isn’t just something you do—it’s a mindset. It’s a choice you make every single day to look for the blessing in the lesson, even when it feels impossible.Let me tell you, sis, it hasn’t been easy for me either. Life has thrown its fair share of storms my way. The guilt, the heartbreak, the moments when I felt like giving up—it all felt like too much. But through every trial, I’ve learned one thing: healing doesn’t just happen to you; it happens within you.<figure id="figure-5rqg3rq71pm517qpsf"><img id="5rqg3rq71pm517qpsf" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1346978143/photo/felt-letter-board-with-text-beautiful-day-begins-with-beautiful-mindset-mental-health-idea.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=fuaIObIKfPNxFHpXLAHncBvl3XI0TiyR2yo9QPnJYB0=" alt="Felt letter board with text beautiful day begins with beautiful mindset. Mental health idea" title="Felt letter board with text beautiful day begins with beautiful mindset. Mental health idea" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1346978143/photo/felt-letter-board-with-text-beautiful-day-begins-with-beautiful-mindset-mental-health-idea.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=fuaIObIKfPNxFHpXLAHncBvl3XI0TiyR2yo9QPnJYB0=" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure><h3>The Mindset Shift: Choosing to Heal</h3>Healing isn’t passive. It’s not about waiting for time to fix things or hoping someone else will make it better. Healing is an active, intentional choice. It’s waking up every day and saying, “I’m not going to let this break me.”For a long time, I thought healing was about erasing the pain—about pretending it didn’t happen or pushing it down until I couldn’t feel it anymore. But I’ve learned that healing is about accepting the pain, not erasing it. It’s about looking at the hard stuff and asking, “What is this here to teach me?”Sis, every struggle comes with a lesson. Sometimes it’s not obvious right away. Sometimes it takes months, even years, to see it. But I promise you, it’s there. And when you start to see the blessing in the lesson, that’s when everything changes.<figure id="figure-rogpvlme4mm517s228"><img id="rogpvlme4mm517s228" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1703935300/photo/backlight-sunlight-with-beautiful-on-top-of-a-peak-tourists-are-sitting-at-the-cliff-of.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=O7Kyr8bVowgwiCiRE81HBDouk3LdBUckbNPnZAWRAgA=" alt="Backlight sunlight with beautiful on Top of a Peak. Tourists are sitting at the cliff of mountain to see scenic view of sunset. Evening sky and silhouette." title="Backlight sunlight with beautiful on Top of a Peak. Tourists are sitting at the cliff of mountain to see scenic view of sunset. Evening sky and silhouette." class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1703935300/photo/backlight-sunlight-with-beautiful-on-top-of-a-peak-tourists-are-sitting-at-the-cliff-of.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=O7Kyr8bVowgwiCiRE81HBDouk3LdBUckbNPnZAWRAgA=" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure><h2>Finding the Blessing in the Lesson</h2>Let me get personal with you for a minute. I’ve been through things that made me question everything—my strength, my worth, my ability to move forward. There were moments when I blamed myself, when I felt like I wasn’t enough, when I couldn’t see a way out. But looking back now, I can see the lessons those moments were trying to teach me.I learned how strong I really am. I learned that I deserve better—better love, better treatment, better everything. And most importantly, I learned how to love myself in ways I never had before.Sis, every trial you face is shaping you. It’s building your resilience, refining your character, and preparing you for what’s next. The pain isn’t pointless; it’s a part of your story. And when you start to see it that way, healing becomes not just possible but inevitable.<h3>Healing Is Hard, but You’re Worth It</h3>Let me be real with you—healing isn’t pretty. It’s messy, it’s painful, and sometimes it feels like you’re not making any progress at all. But sis, don’t let that fool you. Every tear you cry, every hard conversation you have with yourself, every boundary you set—it’s all a part of the process.The thing about healing is that it’s not linear. There will be days when you feel like you’ve taken ten steps forward and others when you feel like you’re back at square one. That’s okay. What matters is that you keep going.You are worth the effort it takes to heal. You are worth the time, the energy, and the patience it takes to rebuild yourself. Don’t let anyone, including yourself, convince you otherwise.<figure id="figure-y6npnhdko8m517tiui"><img id="y6npnhdko8m517tiui" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/2164587700/photo/healing-vibes-word-cloud-wall-art.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=i-4ziyevbTCuHckVJ7SJicJsmr7wSNPaKY3DCeZhQ6s=" alt="Healing Vibes Word Cloud Wall Art" title="Healing Vibes Word Cloud Wall Art" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/2164587700/photo/healing-vibes-word-cloud-wall-art.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=i-4ziyevbTCuHckVJ7SJicJsmr7wSNPaKY3DCeZhQ6s=" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure><h3>Healing as a Black Woman</h3>As Black women, we carry so much. The weight of expectations, the pain of generational trauma, the constant need to be strong—it’s a lot. And sometimes, it feels like the world doesn’t give us the space to heal.But sis, we have to create that space for ourselves. We have to prioritize our healing, even when the world tells us we don’t have time for it. We have to choose ourselves, unapologetically, because no one else will do it for us.Healing is an act of resistance. It’s saying, “I will not let this world break me.” It’s reclaiming your joy, your peace, and your power.<figure id="figure-vjsmkulgclm517uwzd"><img id="vjsmkulgclm517uwzd" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1318666449/photo/portrait-of-a-beautiful-woman-in-white-hyposphila-flowers.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=lKDpAECcYbq-UEEEabVXVB0oqRXqBPc3eBz8CfQ5peA=" alt="Portrait of a beautiful woman in white hyposphila flowers." title="Portrait of a beautiful woman in white hyposphila flowers." class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1318666449/photo/portrait-of-a-beautiful-woman-in-white-hyposphila-flowers.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=lKDpAECcYbq-UEEEabVXVB0oqRXqBPc3eBz8CfQ5peA=" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure><h2>Building a Healing Community</h2>Here’s the thing, sis—you don’t have to do this alone. Healing is hard, but it’s less heavy when we do it together. That’s why I’m building this space, this sisterhood, where we can lift each other up and remind each other that we are worth it.Let’s make a commitment to each other: to see the blessings in our lessons, to choose healing even when it’s hard, and to celebrate every step we take along the way.You are not your pain. You are not your mistakes. You are the strength that comes from overcoming them. Let’s walk this journey togeth<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: calc(16px * var(--body-fontSize, 1)); font-weight: inherit; font-style: var(--body-fontStyle, normal); background-color: rgba(249,250,251,var(--tw-bg-opacity));" data-mce-style="font-family: inherit; font-size: calc(16px * var(--body-fontSize, 1)); font-weight: inherit; font-style: var(--body-fontStyle, normal); background-color: rgba(249,250,251,var(--tw-bg-opacity));">er, one day at a time.With love and resilience,E&nbsp;💜<figure id="figure-bv6zz50bblm58tijq7"><img id="bv6zz50bblm58tijq7" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/11m9pbZqp6TNJyw0DfMeMDfhD1kVjEKSXuohfAwO5u7nOExt7kucJqM3zAoXVYRt.png" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 1/1; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="1:1" data-caption="" data-positionX="undefined" data-positionY="undefined" data-fullWidth="false"/></figure>

Healing Is a Mindset – Finding the Blessing in the Lesson

<h2>The Problem We Can No Longer Ignore </h2>Milwaukee has a serious issue—one that Black women and girls face every single day. We’re not just victims of violence; we’re victims of a broken system. A system that dismisses our pain, ignores our voices, and leaves us to fend for ourselves.In 2023, 21 women were killed under abusive circumstances in Milwaukee. Of those, 17 were Black women. That’s over 80%—a staggering number that exposes the harsh truth: Black women in this city face disproportionate levels of violence and systemic neglect.When we seek help, we’re often met with skepticism, blamed for our circumstances, or turned away altogether. The justice system, law enforcement, and social services have repeatedly shown that they aren’t built to protect or prioritize Black women and girls.This isn’t just a failure of policy or policing—it’s a failure of the very systems that are supposed to keep us safe.<figure id="figure-ojcr7gkt8hm579d3ox"><img id="ojcr7gkt8hm579d3ox" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1471208151/photo/many-local-african-americans-of-the-milwaukee-community-came-out-to-enjoy-juneteenth.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=AZse3ZDtl-hn7pfcDdglo2bZglFjXfRHXRJI1pe6uQ0=" alt="Many local African Americans of the Milwaukee community came out to enjoy Juneteenth celebration event and parade." title="Many local African Americans of the Milwaukee community came out to enjoy Juneteenth celebration event and parade." class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1471208151/photo/many-local-african-americans-of-the-milwaukee-community-came-out-to-enjoy-juneteenth.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=AZse3ZDtl-hn7pfcDdglo2bZglFjXfRHXRJI1pe6uQ0=" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure><h3>Why It Matters to Everyone </h3>When Black women and girls are ignored, the entire community suffers. Families are torn apart, trust in institutions erodes, and cycles of violence continue unchecked.The dangers of inaction are clear:<ul><li>Perpetrators Walk Free: Without proper accountability, abusers are emboldened to harm again. </li><li>Survivors Are Left Unprotected: Victims remain vulnerable, silenced, and without the support they neeThe Problem We Can No Longer Ignored to heal. </li><li>Generational Trauma Is Passed Down: Communities can’t thrive when trauma is left unaddressed, creating lasting harm for future generations. </li></ul>This crisis demands a solution—one that centers Black women and girls, addresses systemic failures, and rebuilds trust in our communities.<h2>Introducing the Vision for the Victim Retribution Network (VRN) </h2>The Victim Retribution Network is my response to this crisis. I’m Ebony Knight, and I’ve seen firsthand how the system fails Black women and girls. When my own daughter became a victim, I fought tirelessly for justice, only to encounter resistance, disbelief, and indifference at every turn.That fight showed me that we need more than just reform. We need a movement. The VRN will be that movement—a network that fights for justice, healing, and accountability.<h3>What the VRN Will Do </h3>The VRN is designed to tackle these issues from every angle: advocacy, healing, and community rebuilding.<ol><li>Advocacy for Systemic Change</li></ol><ul><li>Work with policymakers to implement stronger protections for victims, harsher penalties for offenders, and mandatory victim notification laws. </li><li>Provide survivors with legal resources and guidance to navigate a system that often works against them. </li></ul><strong style="font-family: var(--body-fontFamily); font-size: calc(18px * var(--body-fontSize, 1)); font-style: var(--body-fontStyle, normal); background-color: rgba(249,250,251,var(--tw-bg-opacity)); border-color: rgba(229,231,235,var(--tw-border-opacity)); --tw-border-spacing-x: 0; --tw-border-spacing-y: 0; --tw-translate-x: 0; --tw-translate-y: 0; --tw-rotate: 0; --tw-skew-x: 0; --tw-skew-y: 0; --tw-scale-x: 1; --tw-scale-y: 1; --tw-scroll-snap-strictness: proximity; --tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; --tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; --tw-ring-color: rgba(62,172,255,.5); --tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 #0000; --tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 #0000; --tw-shadow: 0 0 #0000; --tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 #0000; --tw-transform: translateX(var(--tw-translate-x)) translateY(var(--tw-translate-y)) rotate(var(--tw-rotate)) skewX(var(--tw-skew-x)) skewY(var(--tw-skew-y)) scaleX(var(--tw-scale-x)) scaleY(var(--tw-scale-y)); --tw-border-opacity: 1; --tw-filter: var(--tw-blur) var(--tw-brightness) var(--tw-contrast) var(--tw-grayscale) var(--tw-hue-rotate) var(--tw-invert) var(--tw-saturate) var(--tw-sepia) var(--tw-drop-shadow); --tw-backdrop-filter: var(--tw-backdrop-blur) var(--tw-backdrop-brightness) var(--tw-backdrop-contrast) var(--tw-backdrop-grayscale) var(--tw-backdrop-hue-rotate) var(--tw-backdrop-invert) var(--tw-backdrop-opacity) var(--tw-backdrop-saturate) var(--tw-backdrop-sepia);" data-mce-style="font-family: var(--body-fontFamily); font-size: calc(18px * var(--body-fontSize, 1)); font-style: var(--body-fontStyle, normal); background-color: rgba(249,250,251,var(--tw-bg-opacity)); border-color: rgba(229,231,235,var(--tw-border-opacity)); --tw-border-spacing-x: 0; --tw-border-spacing-y: 0; --tw-translate-x: 0; --tw-translate-y: 0; --tw-rotate: 0; --tw-skew-x: 0; --tw-skew-y: 0; --tw-scale-x: 1; --tw-scale-y: 1; --tw-scroll-snap-strictness: proximity; --tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; --tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; --tw-ring-color: rgba(62,172,255,.5); --tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 #0000; --tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 #0000; --tw-shadow: 0 0 #0000; --tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 #0000; --tw-transform: translateX(var(--tw-translate-x)) translateY(var(--tw-translate-y)) rotate(var(--tw-rotate)) skewX(var(--tw-skew-x)) skewY(var(--tw-skew-y)) scaleX(var(--tw-scale-x)) scaleY(var(--tw-scale-y)); --tw-border-opacity: 1; --tw-filter: var(--tw-blur) var(--tw-brightness) var(--tw-contrast) var(--tw-grayscale) var(--tw-hue-rotate) var(--tw-invert) var(--tw-saturate) var(--tw-sepia) var(--tw-drop-shadow); --tw-backdrop-filter: var(--tw-backdrop-blur) var(--tw-backdrop-brightness) var(--tw-backdrop-contrast) var(--tw-backdrop-grayscale) var(--tw-backdrop-hue-rotate) var(--tw-backdrop-invert) var(--tw-backdrop-opacity) var(--tw-backdrop-saturate) var(--tw-backdrop-sepia);">2. Healing Through Trauma-Informed Programs2<ul><li>Launch the Ebony Unapologetic Healing Sanctuary, offering mindfulness practices, expressive writing workshops, and community support groups designed specifically for Black women and girls. </li><li>Provide survivors with safe spaces to process their trauma, rebuild their confidence, and regain their strength. </li></ul>3. Rebuilding Community Connections<ul><li>Introduce initiatives like the Clean Streets Program, where residents come together to clean and beautify their neighborhoods. These efforts foster pride, unity, and a sense of ownership in the community. </li><li>Host workshops that teach leadership and advocacy skills, empowering survivors to become agents of change in their own communities.</li></ul><figure id="figure-y7ku3kgyadm579g3dp"><img id="y7ku3kgyadm579g3dp" src="https://cdn.durable.co/covers/15odIYvxL32wAelKoPsttRteYT7f24OclA9q1EWYYirJTfy1H9MNR6iNdnQC2dGc.png" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/covers/15odIYvxL32wAelKoPsttRteYT7f24OclA9q1EWYYirJTfy1H9MNR6iNdnQC2dGc.png" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure><h3>A Social Contract That Works for Us </h3>The idea of the “social contract” says that we all have a responsibility to protect one another and uphold justice. But for Black women and girls in Milwaukee, that contract has been broken.The Victim Retribution Network will work to restore it—ensuring that survivors are heard, protected, and empowered. This is about more than fixing what’s broken; it’s about creating a system that finally works for the people it has failed for too long.<h3>How You Can Help Build the VRN </h3>This is where you come in. The Victim Retribution Network is still in its early stages, but with your support, we can bring this vision to life. Here’s how you can help:<ul><li>Spread the Word: Share our mission and vision with your networks. Awareness is the first step toward action. </li><li>Donate: Your contributions will help fund essential programs and resources to support survivors and push for systemic change. </li><li>Get Invovled:&nbsp;Whether it’s volunteering your time or lending your voice to advocacy efforts, your involvement will make a difference. </li></ul><h3>Together, We Can Make a Difference </h3>The fight for justice isn’t just about fixing the past—it’s about building a better future. The Victim Retribution Network is the first step in that journey.Let’s create a world where Black women and girls are safe, supported, and empowered. A world where survivors are no longer ignored but celebrated for their resilience.This is our chance to change the story. Are you ready to join us? Go to the home page and leave your information in the contact section and I'll be sure to respond. Want to start donating today. Click the link below to donate or scan the QR Code on the home page.&nbsp; <a href="https://gofund.me/e9b6ecb4" data-mce-href="https://gofund.me/e9b6ecb4">https://gofund.me/e9b6ecb4</a>&nbsp;

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