By Aaliyah Moore
The term safe space refers to a place or environment in which a person or category of people can feel confident that they will not be exposed to discrimination, criticism, harassment, or any other emotional or physical harm. As exhausting and demanding as everyday life can be, it is so necessary to have outlets we can go to. And that’s what the black women in my life have been for me. While many of us are at different places in our lives, we still share many of the same lived experiences, and we “get” each other in a way that no one else understands.
Mama
As much as I hate to admit it sometimes, Mama really does know best, or in most cases at least. I can think of multiple times when my mama has given me advice or guidance on something and it’s come to pass. Anytime my siblings or I am struggling with something, it’s like my mama knows without us even having to verbalize it. She loves to say, “I know my kids,” and that’s so very true. I am glad I am able to go to her because she just gets me.
Sister
True story, I never thought I’d be as close to my little sister as I am now. Of course, I’ve always loved her, but I got really jealous of her when she came along and made me a middle child. Now that she’s older, she really is one of my best friends, and I think that comes from knowing she looks up to me. It’s so crazy how I can call her and have a conversation with her about how stupid guys can be, college, or just life in general, and we can relate to each other on just about anything.
Sorority Sisters
A few years ago, I gained 23 wonderful line sisters when we crossed into our illustrious sisterhood, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated! Even after six years, I still lean on my sisters. I never feel judged when I call them with my craziness, and they give me the space to let my guard down and the opportunity to be vulnerable.
Mentors and Friends
I really have some bomb mentors and friends! Whether it’s career guidance or just normal life stuff, I can truly say I have a tribe of seasoned black women that always shoot me straight and give me sound advice. We may not talk every day, but I can count on them to make themselves available if I ever need help navigating a situation.
Times are hard out here, and it’s important to have people you can lean on. Nothing beats being able to go to people you don’t have to explain yourself to because they can identify with your struggles, too. I’m thankful for the black women in my life. They get me, forreal.
Aaliyah Moore is a contributing writer for the Pedestal Project, LLC. Aaliyah enjoys spending time with her family and is a lover of food, retail therapy, and Quartet Gospel music. She is a higher education professional and loves the impact she gets to make in the lives of college students, every day. You can follow her on Instagram @aaliyah.m.moore.
The Pedestal Project 