If you needed any sign that there is no space that we women, black women, don’t belong, then this just might be the ultimate one.

Yesterday was monumental and historical as the 2021 Presidential Inauguration took place and the first woman, first Black woman, and first South Asian woman, Kamala Harris was sworn into the Vice President seat.

Representation matters to show living and lived proof of what is possible. This country has done well at delivering clear messaging of what is possible for white Americans. Everything. Everything is possible for white Americans. They have not had the experience of not seeing themselves in every role.

The same cannot be said for black people. From television shows, movies and characters, to toys, professional roles and the highest positions of political power, black people have and continue to fight for equal and proper representation of themselves in every light.

How can our children know what they can be if they can’t see it?

Yes, someone has to be the first but it’s the ripple effect, the impression that’s made on those watching. It’s the impact especially on those little girls who are looking in wonder and amazement, seeing themselves in these roles held at high esteem and honor.

“She’s black like me.” “She looks likes me.” The words we hear from Torrie (soon to be 4) every time she lays eyes on a black doll, character on tv and in books. This is how her and that pride she has reignited my personal drive for publishing collections of black children’s literature.

Yesterday we celebrated a victory.

Let’s be clear, this is in no way to ignore the sting of this country’s continued racial barriers and failure of delivering true justice for all. Just two weeks before the inauguration an angry mob of Trump supporters stormed the US Capitol in a failed attempt to overtake the Capitol.

That in itself removed any concealer from covering the blemishes of this country. There was a pronounced distinction between how the Black Lives Matter protests were handled versus an angry mob waving confederate and Trump flags storming a federal building were handled.

However, as we surely will return back to that dirty work, yesterday provided a moment of pause. A refreshing deep breath and release.

Dear Black Women, we are powerful and limitless.

Dear Black Women, we do not have to shrink, we indeed can unapologetically show up as ourselves and demand our respect.

“I’m speaking.” The viral quote that galvanized a deep connection and support amongst women for our now VP Kamala Harris during a campaign debate with former VP Pence.

Women, especially black and brown women know far too well the feeling of being interrupted, spoken over and often overlooked and not given an opportunity to speak at all.

Not today.

While we know that black women have been saving this country for centuries the stint of the 2020 elections (at all levels) truly put the spotlight on black women, such as Stacey Abrams.

Yesterday’s Inauguration wasn’t short of black girl magic, pride and inspiration. To include the black and brown excellence displayed in the stunning wardrobe selections, hair slaying and poise of posture of our forever First Lady Michelle Obama, newly appointed Madam Vice President, and Poet Laureate, Amanda Gorman.

It must be noted that Amanda Gorman, 22, also made history as the youngest Inaugural Poet to date but also left her imprint with her powerful words of reflection, truth and hope.

Gorman’s words permeated the hearts of millions, proven by her Instagram account crashing during the day with the quick rise from 60k followers to 2.4m as well as the flooding of support posts and reposts.

Yesterday was a day I’m grateful to have seen. I am grateful to have this moment in history to share with my daughter, as well as my sons, to bear witness to the greatness that is black people and black women.

Dear Black Girls, you are full of possibilities and the world is waiting on what you have.

Dear Black Girls, glass ceilings are meant to be shattered and you can do the shattering.

Dear Black Girls, you are seen and valued.

Dear Black Women and Girls, there is no space we don’t belong.