WHO WE ARE: RAMONA JACOBS
Sisters
“Always be reminded that your magic exists within your heritage and the strength of our ancestors and that can never be taken away from you.”
Q: What does being a sister mean to you in 2020?
A: Well, to be completely honest, up until 2020 I never really took my role of being a sister as serious as I should. Yes, I love my sisters and I try to be there for them whenever they need me. However, it took me forming new relationships this year with other women to truly see what it means to be a true sister. 2020 has caused me to stop, reflect and think about who I am to the people around me, which better helped me understand that being a sister is more than just bloodline, but rather being intentional with spending time with my sisters, making myself available when my sisters need me. 2020 has taught me the importance of community and my sisters are my village, my community. Therefore, being a sister in 2020 is me investing my time, my heart and all of me into my community, my village, my sisters.
Q: How have the injustices against the black community impacted your view of family?
A: Simply put, we are our brother’s/sister’s keeper. It is important to understand that no one is going to look out for us but us. We have to do all we can as a unit to make sure we protect our legacy. Why? Because no one else will. That means showing up for one another when no one else will, supporting each other despite what the majority says, and most importantly, building each other up when the entire world is trying their hardest to tear us down.
Q: How do you feel being a black woman in the world today?
A: Empowered. Hopeful. Inspired. Motivated more than ever. I witnessed our nation elect the first woman of color as Vice President of the United States. In the past two years, election after election I have watched black women stand up, speak their mind, claim their seat at the table, and continuously break glass ceilings despite every fallacious tale said about them. You ask me how I feel? I feel damn good to be a black woman in the world today.
Q: What would you say to other young black sisters?
A: Stand firm, remain hopeful, push through every obstacle. You will be looked at as inferior and less than but never give in to the thought. Always be reminded that your magic exists within your heritage and the strength of our ancestors and that can never be taken away from you.