Feminism was not originally designed with Black women in mind so the introduction of feminist ideals into Black culture had both empowering and destructive consequences. While White women fought for suffrage and workforce equality, Black women faced systemic racism, economic oppression, and gendered racism and White feminists did not address any of those issues.

✅ Positive Contributions:

• Gave Black women greater access to education and careers.
• Created platforms for Black women to speak about gender-specific racism and discrimination.
• Pushed for laws protecting Black women from workplace and domestic abuse.

❌ Negative Consequences:

• Encouraged Black women to prioritize independence over interdependence. (I call this the false independence bubble) Many were taught that relying on a man was a sign of weakness, leading to a cultural shift away from traditional family structures. Black men faced mass incarceration, unemployment, and police brutality, which made it difficult for them to be present in their families.
• Demonized masculinity within the Black community. Some feminist ideologies painted all men as oppressors, deepening the rift between Black men and women rather than encouraging partnership.
• Increased single-parent households. The welfare system, influenced by feminist policies, often incentivized removing Black fathers from the home to receive government assistance. This led to generations of children being raised without a masculine presence, affecting emotional and financial stability.
• Encouraged hyper-independence. Many Black women now feel immense pressure to “do it all” (career, motherhood, leadership), leaving them exhausted and disconnected from their Divine Feminine nature. You may recognize this as "black excellence).

While White feminists pushed for women to be "strong and independent", Black women were already expected to be self-reliant due to historical oppression. Instead of gaining freedom and rest, many Black women found themselves burdened with even more responsibilities. The "Strong Black Woman" stereotype became an expectation, leaving little room for vulnerability, softness, or feminine energy. While White feminists fought to be seen as equal to men, Black women were already working multiple jobs, raising children alone, and navigating both racism and sexism.