This week, a Washington Post study published a portrait of today’s African American women, offering the adjectives strong, independent, religious, and highly educated to illuminate our experiences. Yet, juxtaposed against these adjectives were words that included unmarried, non-romantic, and financially over-extended.  Meant to paint a portrait of women whose self-esteem is finally creating dividends in their professional circles, the article appeared to chronicle the sequel to the sequel of Black women’s experiences – lives that often pair career success with personal deprivation.

As I read the article, I was inspired by the achievements of Black women, yet hardened by the continuing sacrifices of success.  Why can’t a Black woman have it all – the career, the man, the one and a half children, and the healthy self-esteem that makes all of these benefits possible?  How is it that, in the Black woman’s universe, strong cannot co-exist with romantic or independence with relationships?

These questions are part of the ongoing conversation that not only exists in the minds of Black women, but also in Black men and others that witness and or contribute to the double bind of our sisters.

Read more at politic365.com.