As a Black woman growing into womanhood in modern-day America, I face societal roadblocks that were set up for me to fail in a system not designed for my success. But in my heritage, I found two things that have propelled me forward: resilience and faith. Yet, as I transitioned from adolescence to young adulthood, I realized I needed more than just my belief in God and my ancestral wisdom to truly evolve. Three seemingly unlikely sources entered my life during my most formative years and marked a turning point in my growth.
The first of these sources was Kendrick Lamar’s Good Kid, M.A.A.D City. To call this album a masterpiece would be an understatement. It tells the coming-of-age story of a young Lamar, navigating the trials of growing up in a harsh, gang-ridden environment. Coming from New Orleans, I could relate to the struggles and challenges Lamar described. His lyrics gave me confirmation that I was not alone in my experiences of hardship. His journey made me realize that I have the power to control my narrative. No matter where I came from, I had the agency to shape my future.
The second source was the Disney film The Princess and the Frog. At first glance, it might seem unusual to draw life lessons from an animated movie, especially one aimed at children. But Tiana’s story resonates deeply with my identity as a proud Creole woman from New Orleans. In the film, Tiana’s journey is one of persistence, ambition, and self-discovery. The themes of overcoming conflict, embracing self-worth, and forming meaningful relationships reflect the values instilled in me by my family and culture. In my city, everything we do—whether it’s cooking, celebrating, or coping with loss—carries a sense of joy and resilience. Tiana’s journey taught me the importance of staying true to my dreams, no matter the obstacles. She reminded me that, like her, I could chase my passions and overcome inner conflict, no matter the circumstances.
The third source of my personal growth was Sister, Sister, a novel by Eric Jerome Dickey. The story of two sisters, Inda and Valerie, who are opposites yet parallel in their experiences, reflects themes of self-discovery, authenticity, and transformation. When I read it, I was struck by how it resonated with my own journey toward understanding my womanhood, especially after the loss of my mother. Without her to guide me, I had to embrace the responsibility of fully understanding myself and my place in the world. The novel taught me that embracing vulnerability is a crucial part of growth. Navigating complex relationships and accepting change were necessary steps toward becoming my best self.
These three sources—Kendrick Lamar’s album, The Princess and the Frog, and Sister, Sister—may seem unrelated at first, but together they became the foundation of my personal growth. They taught me lessons about resilience, ambition, self-worth, and vulnerability. They showed me that transformation doesn’t always come from traditional sources, but from diverse and unexpected places.
The Princess and the Frog, in particular, holds a special place in my heart. Tiana’s journey reminded me that dreams require persistence and belief to come to life. As I left the world of foster care and entered adulthood, I discovered that my opinion of myself mattered more than the opinions of others. The world can be cruel, but it is my self-empowerment that will carry me forward. In the words of Sean “Jay-Z” Carter, “It gets the people going.” It’s a sentiment that resonates deeply with me, and it embodies the spirit of what I’ve learned.
In conclusion, these three works of art helped me break through the societal barriers set up for me and empowered me to take control of my narrative. They taught me that personal growth doesn’t always come from the places we expect. Sometimes, it comes from the most unlikely sources. It is through these sources that I have found the strength to not only survive but to thrive in a world that was never built for me.
Well stated!!
Beautifully written!