What Becomes of the Colored Girl?

"The Colored Girl"

by Fannie Barrier Williams

"What becomes of the colored girl? The muses of song, poetry and art do not woo and exalt her. She has inspired no novels. Those who write...seldom think of this dark-skinned girl who is persistently breaking through the petty tyrannies of cast into the light of recognition."

As we observe this season of primaries to see who will emerge as US presidential candidates and which of those candidates will eventually become the next president of the United States, I want to know will the conditions experienced by African American women change for the better?

Are the candidates aware of the urgent needs of the most marginalized segment of American society? Do the candidates understand how their decisions inform society on the value of including African American women in decision-making, policy implementation, and positions of significance in commerce, foreign relations, military, and international relations.

We have had symbolic tokens that held no true power other than to be depicted in photo ops. We have had a few women to breakthrough the testerone and ego of patriarchy to achieve positions of power; however, the door did not remain open for others and once in these women still had to struggle against stereotypes and racial traditions.

Perhaps, we will have a female clergy woman from a historically African American religious tradition to pray and lead services for the next president. The choices made by the next president extend beyond governmental positions. Acknowledging the spiritual position of women affirms their authenticity as leaders in the community and for the community they serve.

One of the talented African American fashion designers could be selected to design the inaugral gowns for the next president or first lady? African American women also are professional and enormously talented in event coordination, culinary preparation, speech writing, research, and all areas needed by the next US president.

As we see the stature of African American women rise and the US president pay her homage and respect then we will see all segments of society do the same. Music lyrics will change as will movies and televison depictions along with how corporate America values this underserved but overcharged consumer. Criminal and social justice agencies will unite to help address the issues of crime that plague the communities where too often African American women are single heads of households. The US Health Department will direct resources towards the preventable and treatble illnesses that too often plague these women and kill them too early: AIDS, breast and cervical cancer, hypertensive diseases, and stress related disorders.

What will become of the colored girl?