Feature

Rising above. Powerful. A celebration of oneself. Making adifference. Unique. These were the words used by Timpview students to describe Black Girl Magic, a concept made popular online by a viral hashtag. It is no question that being a woman of color at Timpview is unique, so we talked with a few students who could shed some light on what Black Girl Magic means to them, what it’s like to be a minority student, and what white people should know about natural hair.

To senior Daia Woods, Black Girl Magic, “means that I am powerful in my own way and I can do anything, even if others say I can’t because I’m colored.”

Daia’s twin sister, Deja, expressed her perspective on how the standards black women are held to are often different than with white women. “I am built differently and am thick, not to say that some white girls aren’t, but I just feel that the treatment around things like clothing is harsher on black girls than white girls at times,” Deja said.

Daia continued on the same topic, “Sometimes when people point out that I got a big booty, so I can’t wear short shirts, but other girls can, it’s hard. But I try to rise above it and wear other things that make me feel great, too.”

Junior Sophia Hathenbruck said she sometimes feels out of place at Timpview, too, and that she is being judged for her skin color.

Another popular topic of conversation, both here at Timpview and in the Black Girl Magic community at large, is that of natural hair—and what white people could stand to learn about it. Deja and Daia Woods echo the lyrics of Solange’s popular song: “Don’t Touch My Hair.”

Sophomore Isabelle Sibley said, “I wish people knew that it’s very unique and hard to take care of.”

Hathenbruck told us about her box braids, the pieces of which were imported from South Africa. “The process takes about four to six hours,” she said, “but it’s’ so worth it.”

One sentiment that rings true beneath the Black Girl Magic umbrella is this:  just because natural hair is unique and sparks curiosity doesn’t mean that you can touch it or judge it freely.

While the Timpview women we interviewed expressed concerns and provided an important perspective, Sibley said that she still believes Timpview is a welcoming place for all students.

“Being a woman of color at Timpview isn’t something I think about every day. I just think of myself as a human being,” Sibley said.

If you are interested in learning more about the Black Girl Magic community, take a look at some of the role models mentioned by Timpview students–Sibley mentioned Beyonce and Venus Williams, and Daia Woods admires Solange and Zendaya–and explore the hashtag #BlackGirlMagic on social media.