A new puzzle.

Dear Black Girl,

In October 2019, I was presented with a new puzzle...a life puzzle. Short phrases poured out of me onto a stack of bright pink Post-Its, as I unpacked life and love. They didn’t mean much at the time. But one stood out immediately: 

a love letter to black women = a love letter to self. 

I’ve revisited this mystery stack over the years, sharing snapshots on social media. All the while silently wondering what they all meant. How did this random sticky notes therapy make my life make sense?

Self-study during the pandemic paired well with inspired action. After one big leap, pieces began to click into place. 

• I drafted a “new” empowered narrative for our community and tucked it inside of a children’s book: Power’s Big Dance. 

• I manufactured plush dolls of the main character, Power. 

• I wrote daily letters of encouragement via X, Threads, IG, and email.

• I created crowns for Black women to wear as a declaration of their personal power. 

But one thing was still missing…ME.

I presented so much of the purpose while neglecting to share the person.

Allow me to reintroduce myself. My name is Sierra Ivee. I’m a Philly jawn rooted in NOLA, a lover of all aspects of Black culture, who said YES to being the Founder and Creator of Black Girl Champion, because I recognize that I am power. 

I’m here to remind you that YOU ARE POWER, too.

Crown yourself, Black Girl Champion.