Why Culturally Affirming Spaces are Necessary for Black Women?

Written By Shaunese Johnson

What constitutes culturally affirming spaces? Are they physical, emotional, or spiritual? They encompass all these aspects, particularly for Black women. According to the dictionary definition, culturally affirming spaces are described as "intentional environments that actively celebrate, validate, and center the lived experiences, identities, and cultural assets of diverse individuals. By emphasizing belonging, they ensure that race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, and linguistic backgrounds are respected instead of marginalized."

What is the purpose of culturally affirming spaces? These spaces are to uplift, celebrate, acknowledge, and provide support to those who enter, which is why culturally affirming spaces are necessary for Black women, especially when we often succumb to rooms and spaces that do not center us.

What happens when these spaces are absent for Black women?

Chronic exhaustion, isolation, and the daily burden of navigating spaces not designed to protect your physical or emotional well-being. This can manifest into hyper-awareness, exclusion in broader spaces, and invisibility in both private and public sectors, including education, healthcare, and the workplace, to name a few (Fenton, 2022).

When spaces that affirm cultural identity are prioritized for Black women, we experience greater engagement, improved health outcomes, healthier platonic and romantic relationships, and enhanced overall well-being.

Take a moment to reflect. How do you define a safe space? Where do you find these culturally safe and affirming environments? What spaces still need to be created for Black women? 

BlackGirlsEmpowered (BGE) was created with the sole foundation of community, belonging, and intentionality in mind.

Our goal is to create safe and affirming spaces where Black women are seen, valued, and can be their authentic selves to thrive in their own unique journey of life. 

As BlackGirlsEmpowered moves forward, I look forward with inspiration, resilience, and growth for Black women in the Cleveland community.

Thank you for being a part of this journey.

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Written by: Shaunese Johnson