The Power of a Black Girl Diary

By Nikita Haynie

*Cues Moesha journaling music*

During this time of uncertainty, it has been difficult at times to be positive and joyful; however,  I have chosen joy because although things are changing drastically daily, I believe in the power of joy–more specifically radical joy. The space I’ve chosen to assert this joy is writing. An on-time reminder of this was when Netflix announced the release of every Black show relevant to my teenage years, specifically the hit 90s show Moesha. Like many others, I loved Brandy in her fashion and braid glory; however, the biggest nostalgic moment was every time Moesha pulled out her diary. This was where I found a piece of my Black Girl power growing up.

For the past few months, I’ve been consumed by my professional work. Working in an industry in high demand of my evenings and weekends left me with little to no time for my first love: writing. Writing is the center of who I am; it is the core of who I am. When I am not able to write, I feel disconnected. I am my most authentic self in my writing because I am free and I am fearless in asserting my voice. 

I enjoy tracking my growth, hopes, dreams, and aspirations of the future. When I’m able to go back and read my experiences, it encourages me in knowing there is a God who hears me and the boldness my voice has found in a world that desires to silence it. Writing my experiences or the experiences of Black women has fueled my passion for being an unapologetic advocate for Black women. Sometimes you have to write what others will not and take the risk. Writing for Black women has taught me that Black women’s stories, experiences, and voices need to be heard. 

Writing reminds me of where I’ve been, what’s to come, and what can be. Writing reminds me of the fearless Black women writers such as Toni Morrison, Maya Angelou, and Nikki Giovanni who changed the literary world for little Black girls like me who dreamed of writing books.  My dream is to rewrite the narrative for Black women; we deserve to be protected, loved, valued and I find joy in writing new worlds where this can exist. Writing heals me, writing makes me appreciate my growth and writing is my therapy. Even when the world wants to silence me I know by writing as a Black woman, this is resistance. Black Feminist bell hooks said: “ No Black woman writer in this culture can write “too much”. Indeed, no woman writer can write “too much”…No woman has ever written enough.” 

Writing as a Black woman is therapy.

Writing as a Black woman is healing. 

Writing as a Black woman is hope. 

Writing as a Black woman is resistance. 

Writing as a Black woman is joy. 

Writing as a Black woman is power. 

There is power in a Black Girl diary. 

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Nikita Haynie is the Assistant Editor for the Pedestal Project, LLC. Nikita is a writer, author, and Black woman creative. She is a creative that writes content intersecting faith, black womanhood, and culture. Proud optimist. Follow her on Instagram: @thenikitahaynie and @writeonblackgirl. Check her out at NikitaHaynie.com

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