Surprised?

Last Saturday I got together with friends and we created our 2015 Vision Boards. One of the things that I had on my board was "Book Club". I either wanted to join one or start one. I've always loved reading and I really enjoy discussing what I read, so a book club is perfect.

Well...a few days ago I found a local group that was meeting this evening...so, I went. And I'm glad I did.

Although I didn't read last month's book, I enjoyed hearing the ladies discuss their opinions. Most didn't like it and were very detailed with their reasons why. This I found quite entertaining.

At one point in the group we went around and did introductions. There was a fairly even split between new members like myself and members who've been in the group since the beginning. They were all very welcoming and I felt like I'd been part of the club forever.

When it came time for the founder to introduce herself she said something that always makes my ears perk up when I hear it. She mentioned that she enjoys getting together with these ladies each month because everyone just gets along so well...no "attitudes", no "weave-pulling", just women of color (Black women) who share a love for reading and togetherness.

I thought, "Hmmm...that sounds just like my running group."

We are a group of Black women who enjoy "hitting the pavement" together, yet we also find ourselves together at pretty much any other social event because we just like each other that much. We truly enjoy sharing each other's company. We travel together, attend concerts & plays together, dine together...you name it.

I wondered why it is that Black women always have to explain the fact that we are able to "get along" when I rarely, if ever, hear women of other races make the same statement.

I realize though that this stems from how we are so negatively portrayed on television. If all people see on television are images of Black women raising their voices at one another, stabbing each other in the back, stealing each other's men, and getting into physical altercations, then that is what the world is going to EXPECT of us, and will continue to be surprised when they see different.

So the question is...what needs to be done in order for the Black woman's image to shift from negative, to the true depiction, which is POSITIVE? I mean seriously...I don't know ANY Black women like the ones we see on television. MY friends are EDUCATORS, DOCTORS, WRITERS, ENGINEERS, ENTREPRENEURS, SOCIAL WORKERS, LAW-ABIDING CITIZENS, and so much more.

Anyhoo...I'm glad to now be a part of yet another POSITIVE group of Black women. And no...it's not like I don't see positivity in other races, because truly, my circle of friends is quite the melting pot. Yet there is a unique energy that comes from being around other Black folks (male and/or female...doesn't matter to me), who are doing great things, that I just feed off of.

Let the DIALOGUE begin: Are YOU in a Book Club? If so, is it diverse, or is it specific to YOUR race?

Talk to me!

Til next time...