Is an original poem written by Edna H. Batengas. I wrote this poem in a moment of self-reflection and vulnerability. The poem grapples with ideas that are both difficult and meaningful. Hey, Black Girl illustrates and identifies the day to day struggles that black women face today.
The poem is both personal and raw as it encompasses topics of racism, abuse, sexual assault, cultural appropriation, tragedy, and societal expectations of black women.
I strongly believed that these are struggles that black women have been facing longer than I can even imagine. This is why I wanted to include other women to help illustrate and share OUR story. We are resilient, we keep moving forward and that’s so beautiful.
I could not have done this without the brave and strong women that gave up their time to be a part of this. Thank you so much to Chisom, Susan, Coco, Vanessa, Siobhan, Katia, and Necole. They were my rock stars all pumped and excited to be a part of this. In addition, I’d like to give a huge special thanks to Mike Sweeney from MDS Visual who jumped right on board to help me make this happen and for taking on the lead of production and filming. It’s amazing to see what can be done when people come together to tell help tell a tale that we can all relate too.
Closing, with my favorite African proverb “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” #blackgirlmagic
