‘Using our magic.’ West End ‘She Speaks’ group provides safe space for Black women
CHARLOTTE (QUEEN CITY NEWS) – “Hi, my name is Perneice Mendez.”
“Hi, my name is Michelle Jennings Anderson.”
“Hi, my name is Angela James.”
“Hello, I’m Shamaiye Haynes.”
The blue house off Parkway Avenue in Charlotte isn’t very big, but every Tuesday they make room for their voices.
“This will help us share our stories and shine when we speak to a real audience,” announced Angela. “Not that you’re not real.”
“You’re always seeing the men out front,” said Neicy. “You always see the women doing, but you’re not listening to us.”
The theme this week is unity and the stories they share are theirs.
“I am reminded of the immense power of unity in our journey towards excellence,” said Michelle.
“When they hear us speak, it’s a story we are telling outwards. When we meet and get together, we’re telling our inward story,” said Shamaiye.
Shamaiye started the group, She Speaks, in 2022. Her goal was to help Black women practice and perfect their voices.
This Tuesday, it was Michelle’s first time.
“Oh my goodness,” joked Michelle, after finishing her speech.
Angela and Neicy have been coming since it started.
“The problem is Black women not having a voice or their voices being shut down,” said Neicy.
In between their stories is an understanding that something else is being shared.
“I have so much confidence in what I’m saying, what I’m doing,” said Angela. “This is my story.”
“It seems really like a grain of sand, but it really gives me hope,” continued Angela.
So, listen up.
She’s speaking.
“That is the power of Black women, coming together using our magic and getting things done,” said Neicy.
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