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Dear sisters,

As a young, black female myself, I feel that love for our race and gender is the most important step in empowerment in today's society. Love for every race and gender is essential. Outer beauty fades but it's your internal beauty that will shine throughout the years of your life. Take that internal beauty and perfect it; it will get you far in your aspirations.

There is so much more to life than the latest urban fashions, BET and funky beauty trends. Instead of using your time for shopping and beautifying yourself, why not take that time and energy to research your ancestors? It has been said that you don't know where you're going unless you know where you came from. As Maya Angelou have found, our ancestors were strong and passionate in their own way. They had their own achievements. They were queens, royalty, elders and leaders of tribes. Now it is our turn to be strong and passionate, excelling in our glory. It is time for us to "Make a way out of no way!" It is time for us to raise ourselves and others in our communities. There are so many things to conquer. However, it is up to you to take the first step to excellence.

Katherine Dunham, in addition to a dancer and choreographer, was an activist and educator. She was quoted as saying, "I used to want the words "She tried" on my tombstone. Now I want "She did it." Why not use these words as your inspiration? No matter how discouraged you get, press on like a hot comb! If you do find antagonists who try to do everything in their power to crush your spirit, it's because they see something in you so profound that if properly nourished, it can devastate them!

How would you nourish this innate power? Education is the answer! Take advantage of Honor classes and advanced placement (AP) courses! Math and science are two main subjects that shouldn't be shunned, as careers and professions where these are main components often provide better opportunities and better salaries. Follow in the footstep of Mae Jamison, the first black female astronaut or Martha Euphemia Lofton Haynes, the first black female mathematician. The world is your oyster!

Self-esteem is another huge factor in nourishing your essence. I had someone tell me once that I already had two strikes against me because I'm black and a female. I admit that it has affected me somewhat, as I didn't apply myself in certain areas of my life. I regret that I was comfortable playing the timid, compliant role, believing that I couldn't do anything amazing

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