Manny King John
Solange Knowles opens up in recent interview with Harper’s BAZAAR on reflections on stillness, joy, and the year that changed everything.
The year 2020 has been both destructive and transformative. A roiling pandemic has isolated and divided us. The killings of a seemingly never-ending list of Black Americans—killed out in broad daylight or even sleeping in their own homes—have once more brought a reckoning over racism and racial justice into the forefront of the American consciousness. The toll it’s taken has come in devastating ripples, first in human lives, then on our collective livelihood—the blow it’s dealt to commerce and art has been a cruel one-two punch. As night falls earlier and longer, and a contentious election looms, it can all feel so…dark.
Solange expresses her emotions with poems, and metaphor that are displayed throughout the article, some from her and others from other artists.
She addresses past relationships and friendships with her words and takes accountability for her own actions and words that contributed to it.
See below
A letter to an unnamed friend:
I have so much more I want to say, but I’ll start with: I want to thank u for energetically holding me accountable. You have said nothing, but I feel it following me like a shadow.
This past few months it’s been really important to me to go inward and recognize the ways I haven’t always shown up as my best or most graceful self. To not point this finger of mine so much at others, but take those same fingers to grip a mirror up to myself.
Reflecting on the ways I could have shown more grace and compassion. Been more thoughtful.
I am thankful to have a friend like you.
Friends who say something and friends who say nothing, but even the thought of their presence makes me feel everything.
With mental health being a serious topic in today’s society Solange talks about sessions she had where she discussed her inner child.
See below
Today in therapy I continue to practice speaking to my inner child. That shit is so fucking hard!
She is deeply wounded by painful messages from the outside world. So deeply hurt and tired of “turning the other cheek” and being strong. Trying to reconcile that the judgements on her life are really a reflection of others’ own internal judgements and don’t belong to her.
I send love to every child who so publicly has had to endure such painful criticism out in the world when they are already internalizing it amongst the spaces and people that should make them feel safe.
The interview was remarkable and showed how reflection contribute to growth, Solange really displayed her power throughout every poem, quote and word stated.
I truly hope that every Black spirit does whatever they need to do during this time to hold themselves up. Whatever it may look like. Honor your grief, however you are led to. Hold on and go all the way into your power, however it calls to you.
