Forever an Awkward Black Girl, just not so Insecure.
It’s a new year and with the end of Insecure, I have been reflecting a lot. I feel like I glew up with Issa–from The Misadventures of Awkward Black Girl to Insecure, she has been monumental in the evolution of my identity. For the first time in my life, it was okay to be awkward–Issa made it a vibe. She made me comfortable in my own skin with her YouTube series pretty much instantly. I watched Awkward Black Girl back in undergrad. So years later when Insecure hit HBO, it was like we both had leveled up in a way. During the span of Insecure, I went from being a grad student to a young professional, and from day one, like many, I saw myself, I saw my friends, in Issa’s work. I saw my own growth in the growth of each of the characters.
As people, women especially, we all struggle with insecurities. The external pressures telling us how we should move in the world take precedence over our authentic inner selves. Issa challenged this, in front of the world, and in turn, taught me to do the same. And as I look back from when I first ‘met’ Issa to now, I can see it. All of the changes I’ve made to be more secure–to embrace confidence, to go after my wildest dreams.
And outside of the show, Issa’s professional growth motivates me just as much! Her journey from YouTube inspired me to take the leap–to launch SLFSHLY. If you have something on your heart, create it. It may be a little flawed at first, but like Issa you can still start a movement and perfect your craft along the way. Another lesson Issa’s journey taught me is to stay authentic to yourself and your vision. Witnessing the success Issa has gained from her perspective as a Black Woman encourages me to strive for the same. Because of Issa, I know that there’s space in the world to be authentic and Black and Woman.
The end of Insecure signals a transition in my life, similar to that of turning 30 this year. It really is symbolic–watching the series finale was like saying goodbye to my twenties and to the weight of the pesky doubts I’ve carried all this time. And with the new year, I have a clean slate to continue my pursuit of confidence and security. It’s not an easy journey, but one that is worthwhile.
Thank you Issa.
SLFSHLY 