On Friday 1st March 2024, Definition Redefined launched as an empowering call-to-action for all Black women, to claim ownership and redefine their own narrative. To achieve the International Women Day (IWD) aim of ‘Inspiring Inclusion’, we at Soul Purpose 360 believe society needs to challenge the biases that deny Black women, basic human rights. For centuries, Black women have been racialised, sexualised, defined, and the discrimination explained away, to justify past colonial behaviours and an unjust narrative that persists.
Black women continue to experience intersectional discrimination, which impacts every aspect of their life including areas such as education, employment, and healthcare. Indeed, every facet of their lives is shaped and impacted by external forces and are the causes behind the many ‘institutional failings’. The reason Black women are four times more likely to die in childbirth are multiple, but in part, it’s because it is assumed that they have higher pain thresholds than white women. The reason Black women are overrepresented in the criminal justice system and mental institutions is because they are seen as a threat, as ‘angry’, and ‘aggressive’, and the reason Black women experience the worst rates of poverty, is because they are nauseatingly impacted by the gender-race pay gap. The examples of correlation are plenty.
As founder of Soul Purpose 360, I believe that, the time is right to challenge and take ownership, by shaping our own narrative; by redefining the definitions that harm us. To be successful, any such campaign must be a positively uplifting one; for to do it any other way, will play to the unjust narrative of Black women being ‘angry’, ‘loud’, ‘aggressive’ and ‘challenging’. The current narrative means, we cannot even campaign for social change the way others have the privilege to do.
In collaboration with Sharon Douglas of Inkygrey photography, Soul Purpose 360 is launching a photographic campaign capturing the diversity of everyday Black women. Sharon said, “In a society where assumptions often overshadow individuality, it’s time to challenge stereotypes and change the narrative surrounding Black women. Definition Redefined is a contemporary narrative that celebrates our beauty and splendour, that acknowledges the diversity within our communities and challenges historical perceptions grounded in racist ideologies. Our project aims to empower and uplift by providing a platform for our diverse voices to be heard, in celebrating the resilience and beauty of Black women in the UK. Through a positively uplifting social media campaign, we will invite Black women around the UK to get involved. We seek to showcase the multifaceted identities and experiences that defy monolithic stereotypes, fostering understanding, empathy, and empowerment”.
I hope the Definition Redefined campaign will help society to evolve the discourse about Black women and move away from harmful stereotypes and assumptions, and instead recognise and celebrate diversity, talents, achievements, and resilience. Definition Redefined will include a series of initiatives that will allow Black women to play their part in social change and provide a vehicle to help everyone work towards creating a more equitable and inclusive society for all.
Media enquiries:
We hope to work with the media to amplify the Definition Redefined campaign. For more information or to get involved, email soulpurpose360@gmail.com or visit www.soulpurpose360.co.uk
Call: 07834 558500
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Palma is the founder of Soul Purpose 360 CIC, a coaching, mentoring and training social enterprise for Black women; blending community development with personal development. She is a Personal Performance Coach who is passionate about empowering individuals to live fulfilling lives. Palma has decades of experience working in and with communities through her work in community development, urban regeneration and social enterprise in London and the south east. She is a mother to two daughters, and loves DIY, gardening, personal development, self-care and countryside hiking.
Twitter: SoulPurpose360 Use Hastag #DefinitionRedefined
Instagram: SoulPurpose360
Website: https://www.soulpurpose360.co.uk/
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/soul-purpose-360-cic