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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;

Reimagining Justice: Building the Victim Retribution Network to Protect Black Women and Girls in Milwaukee

Cropped shot of an unhappy young couple after a fight at home.

<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));">Let me start by saying this, sis: not everyone who walks with you is meant to stay with you. Sometimes, the people closest to us—the ones we trust with our secrets, our struggles, and even our dreams—aren’t aligned with where we’re going. And when their energy starts to provoke instead of protect, that’s your sign to let them go.Let me share my story with you. It’s personal, it’s raw, and it’s something I never thought I’d face. But I’ve learned that sometimes the people who know us best don’t really know us at all.<h3>The Friendship That Should’ve Ended Sooner</h3><figure id="figure-n8wge5txtnm5159qql"><img id="n8wge5txtnm5159qql" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1289279507/photo/young-african-american-woman-talking-to-her-boyfriend.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=yprcgdALgfCUcharaNlCRYI-9vEr5-5EzjC45toMd_E=" alt="Young African American woman talking to her boyfriend." title="Young African American woman talking to her boyfriend." 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/1289279507/photo/young-african-american-woman-talking-to-her-boyfriend.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=yprcgdALgfCUcharaNlCRYI-9vEr5-5EzjC45toMd_E=" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure>I had a best friend for 13 years—my biggest supporter, my secret keeper, my rock. We started out with a spark; he was my crush, and for a moment, I thought there could be more. But life had other plans. I wasn’t what he wanted to commit to, so I moved on, but somehow, we stayed close.Honestly, I don’t even know why it lasted so long. I left town, tried to create some distance, but he insisted we remain in each other’s lives. He was persistent, always pulling me back in when I thought it was time to let go. Our connection felt unshakable. Nothing—not my men, not his women—seemed to come between us.But then life happened.<h3>The Shift I Couldn’t Ignore</h3>Everything started to change while he was in jail. At first, we were fine, picking up where we left off after a pause. But when my life got messy—dealing with my daughter’s father and fighting my own case—I started to see a different side of him.I confided in him, poured out my frustrations and pain, only to be met with judgment. He called me angry, bitter, like I was the problem. When I told him my daughter’s father wasn’t sorry for what he’d done, he didn’t hear me. Instead, he belittled my feelings, twisted my pain into something ugly, as if I wanted to blame for the sake of blaming.Then he crossed a line I’ll never forget. He demanded answers about my past relationship—the abuse I endured, the choices I made to survive. His voice was harsh, his tone accusatory. It wasn’t the friend I knew. It wasn’t the person who had been my safe space.<figure id="figure-9lj9589a8m515drqk"><img id="9lj9589a8m515drqk" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1272919776/photo/a-young-beautiful-curly-woman-stands-together-with-her-man-he-argues-something-to-her-while.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=ZnIeFxawC8isWS2Y7-etc6CF-gNzdz_mLJWDgfpw7SA=" alt="A young beautiful curly woman stands together with her man, he argues something to her while she seems disappointed and thoughtful" title="A young beautiful curly woman stands together with her man, he argues something to her while she seems disappointed and thoughtful" 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/1272919776/photo/a-young-beautiful-curly-woman-stands-together-with-her-man-he-argues-something-to-her-while.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=ZnIeFxawC8isWS2Y7-etc6CF-gNzdz_mLJWDgfpw7SA=" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure>Something about that moment was different. It wasn’t just the words he said; it was the spirit behind them. It felt dark, unsettling, like his energy was meant to provoke, not support. And sis, I don’t entertain that kind of energy.<h2>Provoking Spirits: What They Are and How to Spot Them</h2>Have you ever noticed how certain people drain your energy instead of lifting it? How they poke at your wounds instead of helping you heal? That’s what provoking spirits do. They come disguised as friends, partners, even family, but their presence disrupts your peace and pulls you out of alignment.A provoking spirit will:<ul><li>Dismiss your feelings: They make you feel like your pain isn’t valid or that you’re overreacting.</li><li>Question your worth: Instead of affirming your strength, they pick at your scars and try to make you explain why you’re not enough.</li><li>Shift your focus: They steer conversations to your mistakes or flaws, ignoring the real issues at hand.</li><li>Drain your energy: After every interaction, you feel depleted, angry, or confused instead of uplifted.</li></ul>These spirits are dangerous because they’re subtle. They mask themselves in familiarity and loyalty, making it harder to see their true intentions. But sis, when you recognize them, you have to act.<h3>The Power of Letting Go</h3>That day, I made a decision. I wasn’t going to explain my pain to someone who didn’t deserve to hold it. I wasn’t going to defend my choices or justify my survival to someone who refused to see me. And I sure wasn’t going to keep someone in my life who provoked my spirit instead of protecting it.So, I cut him off. Quick, fast, and in a hurry.It hurt—I won’t lie. Letting go of someone who’s been a part of your life for so long is never easy. But sis, your peace is priceless. And sometimes, protecting your peace means walking away from people who can’t respect it.<h3>The Blessing in the Goodbye</h3>Not long after, I came across a sermon about provoking spirits, and it felt like it was meant just for me. It reminded me that not everyone is meant to walk with us on our journey. Some people come into our lives to teach us lessons, and once those lessons are learned, it’s time to let them go.Letting go isn’t just about removing negativity—it’s about making room for positivity. When you cut ties with provoking spirits, you open the door for relationships that uplift, support, and align with your purpose.<figure id="figure-6xqtwk4i9m515oofx"><img id="6xqtwk4i9m515oofx" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1278100927/photo/offended-man-and-woman-are-seated-separately-on-sofa.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=4eYZVDjvXyYLWDM8dXcGfjuUy76-NfZ9GuXcAZ-qLFY=" alt="Offended man and woman are seated separately on sofa" title="Offended man and woman are seated separately on sofa" 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/1278100927/photo/offended-man-and-woman-are-seated-separately-on-sofa.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=4eYZVDjvXyYLWDM8dXcGfjuUy76-NfZ9GuXcAZ-qLFY=" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure><h3>Sis, Protect Your Peace</h3>If you’re dealing with someone who drains your energy, dismisses your feelings, or provokes your spirit, let me remind you: you don’t owe them an explanation. You don’t owe them access to your heart or your life.You owe yourself peace. You owe yourself joy. You owe yourself the space to heal and grow without interference.Recognize the provoking spirits in your life, sis. Call them out for what they are, and don’t hesitate to walk away. Your journey is too important, your spirit too sacred, to let anyone disrupt it.<h3>Moving Forward</h3>I’m still healing, still growing, still learning. But one thing I know for sure is this: I’m not afraid to let go anymore. I’m not afraid to protect my peace, even if it means cutting ties with people I thought would be in my life forever.Sis, you have that same power. You are strong, you are deserving, and you are enough. Don’t let anyone make you feel otherwise.With love and clarity,E 💜

Recognizing Provoking Spirits and Cutting Them Off

<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;">Let me tell you something, sis. If I’ve learned anything from my struggles, it’s this: we, as Black women, are the Phoenix. You know the story, right? The mythical bird that bursts into flames, reduced to ashes, only to rise again—stronger, more brilliant, and more powerful than before. That’s us. That’s you.We’ve been through it. Life tries to tear us down, take us out, and leave us in the ashes of our pain. But what they don’t realize is that the ashes are where we find our power. It’s in those low moments, those heartbreaks, those battles, that we learn to rise. And when we do? Oh, sis, we set the world on fire.<figure id="figure-nktlv6ejim51e8f5u"><img id="nktlv6ejim51e8f5u" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1451882239/photo/a-fragile-dainty-yellow-flame-curving-vertically-forefront-of-a-bonfire-fire-flames-burning.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=KVj7C4XfK5mEoIHzxmFDq_v6PPVzJR_DNEQMbT2knWA=" alt="A fragile dainty yellow flame curving vertically, forefront of a bonfire, fire, flames, burning" title="A fragile dainty yellow flame curving vertically, forefront of a bonfire, fire, flames, burning" 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/1451882239/photo/a-fragile-dainty-yellow-flame-curving-vertically-forefront-of-a-bonfire-fire-flames-burning.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=KVj7C4XfK5mEoIHzxmFDq_v6PPVzJR_DNEQMbT2knWA=" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure><h2>The Ashes of My Struggles</h2>Let me share something with you. There was a time when I felt like my life was in pieces. The pain I was carrying, the choices I questioned, and the mistakes I couldn’t forgive myself for—they all weighed me down. I felt like I was burning alive in the fire of my own circumstances.But here’s what I’ve learned about fire: it’s not always meant to destroy. Sometimes, it’s there to transform. The flames burned away the parts of me that didn’t serve me—the doubt, the guilt, the fear. They made space for something new to emerge.Every trial I’ve faced, every tear I’ve cried, every setback I’ve endured has shaped me. It’s like the universe was saying, “Sis, I’m not breaking you; I’m rebuilding you.” And when I realized that? Everything changed.<h3>The Strength of a Phoenix</h3>Black women, we are fireproof. They don’t tell us that, but we are. Look at what we’ve endured—centuries of oppression, racism, sexism, and the unique challenges of navigating a world that often doesn’t see our worth. And yet, here we are.We’re not just surviving; we’re thriving. We’re building businesses, raising families, healing our communities, and standing tall in spaces that weren’t built for us. That’s what makes us the Phoenix. When life tries to reduce us to ashes, we rise, carrying the fire within us.<figure id="figure-y5cngi80ccm51ed9vc"><img id="y5cngi80ccm51ed9vc" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/618349946/photo/phoenix-rising.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=2QFYoH26C2lbrpgPEMGUfHHRDx15hToxP7CoJPA2MEY=" alt="Phoenix Rising" title="Phoenix Rising" 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/618349946/photo/phoenix-rising.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=2QFYoH26C2lbrpgPEMGUfHHRDx15hToxP7CoJPA2MEY=" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure><h3>Tying the Flames to Triumph</h3>You know what’s beautiful about being the Phoenix? The ashes don’t define you—the rising does. Every time I’ve felt like giving up, I’ve remembered this: my story isn’t over. Your story isn’t over. The fire isn’t the end; it’s the beginning.The struggles I’ve faced have taught me resilience. They’ve shown me how to find strength I didn’t know I had. They’ve made me grateful for the moments of joy, peace, and victory that come after the storm. And sis, let me tell you—there’s nothing more powerful than realizing that the fire didn’t consume you; it refined you.<h2>Reclaiming Our Power as Black Women</h2>But it’s not just about us as individuals. It’s about us as a collective. Black women, we are a sisterhood, a force of nature, and when we come together, we’re unstoppable.The world tries to pit us against each other, to make us believe that we’re in competition. But sis, that’s not our story. Our story is one of unity, of lifting each other up, of building each other back when life tears us down.We are the Phoenix—not just individually but as a community. And it’s time we embrace that. It’s time we take back our power, our joy, and our divine feminine energy.<figure id="figure-kzp3m6f2hvm51ee94w"><img id="kzp3m6f2hvm51ee94w" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1402293424/photo/diverse-group-of-smiling-ethnic-business-women-holding-hands-after-brainstorm-meeting-in.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=u92DE07fuwKu9HxSD5Y13l--FRMYlshw2s-ENX7OZaA=" alt="Diverse group of smiling ethnic business women holding hands after brainstorm meeting in office. Ambitious happy confident professional team of colleagues celebrating a success and feeling empowered" title="Diverse group of smiling ethnic business women holding hands after brainstorm meeting in office. Ambitious happy confident professional team of colleagues celebrating a success and feeling empowered" 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/1402293424/photo/diverse-group-of-smiling-ethnic-business-women-holding-hands-after-brainstorm-meeting-in.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=u92DE07fuwKu9HxSD5Y13l--FRMYlshw2s-ENX7OZaA=" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure><h3>The Call to Rise</h3>If you’re in the ashes right now, sis, I need you to hear this: the fire didn’t destroy you. It’s preparing you for your rise. You have everything you need within you to soar, to shine, and to set this world on fire in the best way possible.Your struggles are not your end. They are the fuel for your comeback. And when you rise—and you will rise—you’ll do so with a power, a confidence, and a purpose that nothing can shake.<h3>Join the Phoenix Movement</h3>Sis, I’m building something here—a community of women who know what it means to burn and rise. A space where we heal together, grow together, and celebrate the beauty of our resilience.If you’re ready to rise, to step into your power, and to embrace the Phoenix within you, I want you to join me. Let’s rewrite our stories. Let’s create a sisterhood that uplifts, inspires, and transforms.We are the Phoenix. We are firep<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));">roof. And together, we will rise.With love and fire,E💜<figure id="figure-9dmowtxd4bm58tewof"><img id="9dmowtxd4bm58tewof" 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>

We Are the Phoenix – Rising from the Ashes

Mother and daughter sitting on sofa at home dancing together

<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;">Hey Sis, <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;">Raising a teenage daughter feels like navigating a battlefield where the enemy isn’t always clear. Some days, it’s her moods clashing with mine. Other days, it’s the heaviness of unspoken words, lingering resentment, or the suffocating silence between us. And then there are days when the war isn’t between us at all—it’s the world, the trauma, the past, and the secrets that threaten to consume us both.Let me tell you, it’s not easy being her mom. But I bet it’s not easy being her either.<figure id="figure-rth864rpxm57may00"><img id="rth864rpxm57may00" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1310093706/photo/mother-and-daughter-consoling-on-sofa-at-home.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=ROgio6l6j5k1PL5mvnSN2r0DLlGHHyF5t0KPcIG7D98=" alt="Mother and daughter consoling on sofa at home" title="Mother and daughter consoling on sofa at home" 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/1310093706/photo/mother-and-daughter-consoling-on-sofa-at-home.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=ROgio6l6j5k1PL5mvnSN2r0DLlGHHyF5t0KPcIG7D98=" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure><h3>The Moods, the Myths, and the Moments We Don’t Talk About</h3>Teenage daughters are like walking storms—beautiful, fierce, and unpredictable. One minute we’re laughing over something silly, and the next, she’s rolling her eyes or slamming her door. I know it’s the hormones, the struggles of being a young Black girl in this world, and the weight of figuring out who she is. But that doesn’t make it easier.Let’s not forget the myths we’ve been fed about teenage girls and their mothers. They say it’s supposed to be natural for us to clash, that she’ll grow out of it, that one day she’ll see I only wanted the best for her. But what about now? What about the nights when I cry myself to sleep because I feel like I’m failing her? Or the moments when I wonder if she sees me as the bad guy, the way the world often does?<figure id="figure-1s2m1t5hem57mdhnn" class=""><img id="1s2m1t5hem57mdhnn" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1310089504/photo/mother-and-daughter-sitting-on-sofa-at-home.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=-5-8FtFp0aJcBMbivsbBJ_YOC1-7YN48ZxHDfSxXhJQ=" alt="Mother and daughter sitting on sofa at home" title="Mother and daughter sitting on sofa at home" 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/1310089504/photo/mother-and-daughter-sitting-on-sofa-at-home.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=-5-8FtFp0aJcBMbivsbBJ_YOC1-7YN48ZxHDfSxXhJQ=" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure><h3>Everything Changed</h3>Everything changed the day I went through her phone. I wasn’t looking to find what I found, but what I saw shattered something inside me. Learning that her dad—the man I trusted, the man she trusted—tried to manipulate, groom, and betray her in the most unimaginable way was a pain I wouldn’t wish on anyone.But it wasn’t just him. The real gut punch came when I realized how many people around us chose to help him lie, conceal the truth, and gaslight us both. They didn’t just betray me; they betrayed her. They kept her in harm’s way, prioritizing his image over her safety and my sanity.How do I explain to her that the adults who should’ve protected her chose not to? How do I make her understand that the anger she feels toward me isn’t fair, even though I get why it’s there? I wasn’t wrong, Sis. But sometimes, being right doesn’t feel like a win.<h3>The Unspoken Conversations</h3>We don’t talk about it—what happened, how it made us feel, how it changed us. She’s uncomfortable, and honestly, so am I. Therapy isn’t an option right now; the waiting lists are endless, and no one seems to know what to say.I see the way she looks at me sometimes, and I wonder if she resents me for pushing, for not letting it go, for fighting so hard to uncover the truth. Does she see me as strong, or does she think I’m bitter? Is she proud that I trusted my instincts, or does she wish I hadn’t found out? I don’t know. And the not knowing is its own kind of pain.<figure id="figure-u0prmhxb4m57muuf2"><img id="u0prmhxb4m57muuf2" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1310089372/photo/sad-daughter-dans-mother-sitting-on-sofa-at-home.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=zGKIbtZtHM0-pl9xTll9IynZfbI4Jl5MsXR5Kh1bJ7s=" alt="Sad daughter dans mother sitting on sofa at home" title="Sad daughter dans mother sitting on sofa at home" 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/1310089372/photo/sad-daughter-dans-mother-sitting-on-sofa-at-home.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=zGKIbtZtHM0-pl9xTll9IynZfbI4Jl5MsXR5Kh1bJ7s=" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure><h3>The Weight We Carry</h3>Sis, let’s not sugarcoat this—it’s hard being me right now. But I know it’s hard being her too. Imagine being a young Black girl and realizing the man you’re supposed to trust most had plans to harm you. Imagine knowing the people who were supposed to protect you chose not to.And then imagine being the mother who has to carry that knowledge, who has to fight not just for justice but for your daughter’s sense of safety, trust, and worth. I’m supposed to smile, to show up in the world as if nothing’s wrong, but everything is wrong.This is why I’m so angry. Angry at the police for dismissing me, for treating me like I was the villain when I came to them for help. Angry at the system that prioritizes predators over victims. Angry at the people who betrayed us both. And most of all, angry at the idea that this could happen to someone else if I don’t speak up.<h3>Fighting for Our Girls</h3>Black women are amazing. We’ve been through hell and back, and yet we rise. But we can’t just keep surviving—we have to teach our daughters to thrive. We have to show them that they are worth fighting for, that their voices matter, and that their pain is valid.I want my daughter to know she’s not alone, that her worth isn’t defined by what happened to her, and that I will always fight for her, even when she doesn’t understand why.But more than that, I want to create a world where no other girl has to go through this. A world where Black women and girls are believed, protected, and respected.<figure id="figure-0dt1g971d5m57mwxyu" class=""><img id="0dt1g971d5m57mwxyu" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1310089490/photo/mother-and-daughter-sitting-on-sofa-at-home.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=FZ7Ye_n0ML_Zj260zv3123Y1EiAwdrsRNmiiMChHfW4=" alt="Mother and daughter sitting on sofa at home" title="Mother and daughter sitting on sofa at home" 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/1310089490/photo/mother-and-daughter-sitting-on-sofa-at-home.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=FZ7Ye_n0ML_Zj260zv3123Y1EiAwdrsRNmiiMChHfW4=" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure><h3>Writing Exercise: Reclaiming Power</h3>Sis, take a moment to reflect on the struggles you’ve faced with your daughter or even with your own mother. Write a letter—not to her, but to yourself. Acknowledge the pain, the frustration, and the strength it’s taken to keep going. Then write three affirmations reminding yourself of the amazing mother you are.<h2>My Message to You</h2>Raising teenage daughters isn’t for the faint of heart, especially when the world seems determined to break them before they even have a chance to bloom. But Sis, you are stronger than you know, and so is she.Together, you’ll get through this. Together, you’ll heal. And together, you’ll prove that Black women and girls ar<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));">e not just survivors—we are warriors.<h2><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: calc(16px * var(--body-fontSize, 1)); 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-style: var(--body-fontStyle, normal); background-color: rgba(249,250,251,var(--tw-bg-opacity));">Support the Victim Retribution Network</h2><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, this journey hasn’t just taught me resilience—it’s given me a mission. That’s why I created the Victim Retribution Network, a space to advocate for women and girls who have been dismissed, silenced, and betrayed.<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));">If my story resonates with you, if you’ve ever felt the weight of fighting alone, I invite you to join me in creating change. Your support—whether through a donation or by sharing our mission—can help ensure no woman or girl feels unseen again.<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));">Let’s build this together. Let’s fight for our girls. Let’s rewrite the narrative.With love and light,E💜<figure id="figure-wxd2gsmherm57ncz55"><img id="wxd2gsmherm57ncz55" 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>

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