Dear MelaninGirl #1

Dear MelaninGirl,

Welcome! This is a safe space for us melaninaires to be authentically us. When the world is beating you down and it doesn't seem like the punches are letting up any time soon, we are here for you. Let the curls, coils and kinks free. We understand the importance for you to be in company where you are heard and your natural features are celebrated. When being taken from is some what of a norm, we are here to feed into and lift you. Don't give up, but rejoice, you have so much strength within yourself. You are talented, vibrant, resilient, graceful, trend setting, intelligent, supportive and so much more.

This letter is a reminder to you that no matter what life throws at you, you can handle it. You are built for this, there is no one like you. You are uniquely and wonderfully made from the coils of your hair all the down to your polished or unpolished toes. You are forever you and not just a trend that will fade and subside. We know what one can do, but when we come together magic is there and there is nothing that can stand in our way.

So when the everyday trials and turbulence come your way, take all of that in, but don't let it deter you. let it encourage and remind you that you are on the track of much greater things. The strength that you possess within only shines when obstacle comes your way. Growth isn't in what you are comfortable with, but in those moments of uncomfortable and unfamiliar territories. It isn't easy walking these steps, but we do sure make it look that way and that is part of our charm.

As I type these words to you, I want to reiterate that you are of major value. Here, we know that we are what gives this world its 32 flavors of this bootylicious bubblegum and then some (my true melanin millennial will get that). We know that life isn't always fair and what we are often criticized for, others are praised. Our job is to keep going and let all who have the pleasure of meeting us, see how vivacious we truly are. The things that make you, you is your gift and no one can duplicate or take that away from you.

With love,

Editor-In-Chief