Meghan Seastarion delivers a powerful op-ed on violence against black women.

If you read any one thing today, read Megan Seastallion's powerful op-ed in the New York Times (opens in new tab).

"In the weeks leading up to the election, black women are once again expected to bring victory to Democratic candidates. We have gone from being legally unable to vote to a highly courted voting block. Despite this, and despite the fact that many have embraced the message of racial justice this year, Black women are still constantly neglected and ignored in many areas of life."

She also writes about being shot (open in new tab) - and subsequently disbelieved and blamed. She writes: "I was recently the victim of violence by a man. I was shot twice as I walked away from him after a party. Even as a victim, I was met with skepticism and criticism. The way people publicly questioned and debated whether I had played a role in my violent assault proves that my fears about discussing what happened were, unfortunately, justified"

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"I was recently on stage at Saturday Night Live when Kentucky Attorney General Daniel Cameron chastised Breanna Taylor and her family for his egregious denial of justice. Echoing the late Congressman John Lewis, a giant of the civil rights movement, anyone who makes "good trouble, necessary trouble" risks being attacked by those who are comfortable with the status quo. He said, "But you know what, I'm not afraid of criticism. We live in a country where we are free to criticize our elected officials."

"And it's ridiculous that anyone would think that the simple phrase 'protect black women' is controversial," she continued. 'We deserve to be protected as human beings. And we have a right to be outraged at the abuse and neglect we are subjected to."

"The maternal mortality rate for black mothers is nearly three times higher than that of white mothers, a clear sign of racial bias in health care. According to the Human Rights Campaign, in 2019, an astronomical 91% of transgender and gender non-conforming people fatally shot were black," she wrote.

"Beyond the threats to our health and lives, we face many judgments and many conflicting messages every day," Megan continued.

"When we dress fit, our curves become the talk of the town, not only on social media, but at work as well. The fact that Serena Williams, the greatest athlete of all time in any sport, had to defend herself at the 2018 French Open because she wore a bodysuit proves how misguided the obsession with black women's bodies is."

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Megan also writes about being criticized not only for what she wears, but also for expressing her sexuality in her art. She said, "I choose what I wear not to appeal to men, but to show pride in my appearance, because positive body image is central to who I am as a woman and as a performer." 'But statements about how I present myself are often critical and cruel, with many assuming that I dress and perform for the male gaze. When women choose to harness their sexuality to reclaim their power, as I have, we are vilified and belittled." [She further lamented the absence of black female role models like Katherine Johnson, Alice H. Parker, Black Lives Matter founder Patrisse Cullors, Alicia Garza, and Opal Tometi in the school curriculum." Wouldn't it be nice if black girls weren't inundated with negative and sexist comments about black women?" Megan wrote.

"What if these girls were told instead of the many important things we have accomplished?

To read Megan's full op-ed, click here. (open in new tab)

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