Shades of Strong ® | Redefining Strength, Rewriting Narratives, and Celebrating Authenticity Shirley Hubbard

My strong is my belief that Black women are sick of riding and dying







Join hosts Shirley Hubbard and Natalyn Bradshaw as they welcome their first guest of the new season, award winning author and advocate Shanita Hubbard.



In this episode, Shirl and Natty dive deep into Shanita’s perspective on the “Ride or Die” narrative in hip-hop and its impact on Black women. Shanita shares her love for hip-hop and discusses how her relationship with the genre has evolved over time, especially considering its impact on the portrayal of Black women. She also elaborates on personal experiences that influenced her perspective on the “ride-or-die” narrative.



The conversation delves into the evolution of the “ride-or-die” woman into the “strong Black woman” archetype, and Shanita shares how these stereotypes affect the lives of Black women in society. She also discusses the intersectionality of issues faced by Black women, including intimate-partner violence and how these issues compound challenges for Black women.



Shanita emphasizes the responsibility of hip-hop to correct harmful narratives and discusses how the industry, artists, and listeners can contribute to reshaping these narratives. She also shares her vision for hip-hop to create a more empowering narrative for Black women and discusses the role of allies within the hip-hop community in uplifting the voices of Black women and challenging harmful stereotypes.



Key Points:







* Love for Hip-Hop: Shanita discusses her love for hip-hop and how her relationship with the genre has evolved over time, especially considering its impact on the portrayal of Black women.













* Impact on Black Women:The conversation delves into the evolution of the “ride-or-die” woman into the “strong Black woman” archetype, and Shanita shares how these stereotypes affect the lives of Black women in society.













* Intersectionality: Shanita discusses the intersectionality of issues faced by Black women, including intimate-partner violence and police violence, and how these issues compound challenges for Black women.













* Responsibility of Hip-Hop: Shanita emphasizes the responsibility of hip-hop to correct harmful narratives and discusses how the industry, artists, and listeners can contribute to reshaping these narratives.













* Internalization of “Ride or Die” Mentality: The discussion explores how Black women can internalize and perpetuate the “ride or die” mentality, contributing to its perpetuation in society.













* Ride or Die in Different Contexts: The discussion explores what “ride or die” looks like in various contexts, including in church, relationships, professional settings, and in the home.













* Path to Change: Shanita shares her vision for hip-hop to create a more empowering narrative for Black women and discusses the role of allies within the hip-hop community in uplifting the voices of Black women and challenging harmful stereotypes.







Join Shirley, Natalyn, and Shanita as they explore the multifaceted concept of “ride or die” and its impact on Black women.







About Shanita:

Shanita Hubbard is the author of the award-winning book Ride-Or Die: A Feminist Manifesto For The Well-Being Of Black Women/...

My strong is humanizing myself.







In a world that often demands Black women to be strong at all costs, there is a growing recognition of the need to humanize ourselves — to acknowledge our vulnerabilities, set boundaries, and prioritize self-care.



In this episode of Shades of Strong Podcast, hosts Shirley Hubbard and Natalyn Bradshaw delve into the importance of fostering a discipline of humanizing ourselves and dismantling the strong Black woman trope within ourselves.



They use the body scan method to explore how they dehumanize themselves in various parts of their bodies. They candidly share personal experiences and delve into the emotional and mental burdens they carry, discussing how they can reclaim their humanity and redefine what it means to be strong.



Key Points:



* Understanding Dehumanization: Shirley and Natty use the body scan technique to thoroughly explore how they unintentionally dehumanize themselves, scanning each part of their bodies, including the mind, throat, heart, gut, and spiritual side. They share personal experiences and reflections on the impact of societal pressures, past experiences, and internalized beliefs.





* Strategies for Humanization: The hosts explore various strategies and practices for humanizing themselves, emphasizing the importance of self-awareness and self-compassion. They discuss the power of mindfulness, and self-care in combating dehumanizing thoughts and behaviors.





* Impact of Societal Expectations: Shirley and Natty reflect on the impact of societal expectations and stereotypes on their self-perception. They discuss how societal norms can create unrealistic standards of strength and resilience, leading to feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt.

* The Journey of Reclaiming Humanity: Throughout the episode, the hosts share their personal journeys of reclaiming their humanity. They discuss the challenges and triumphs of this process, offering insights and advice for listeners on their own journey towards self-acceptance and empowerment.



Humanizing ourselves is a continual journey involving embracing imperfections, celebrating strengths, and fostering community support.



By shedding light on their own struggles with dehumanization, Shirl and Natty hope to inspire others to embark on their own journey of reclaiming humanity.









Join the Community: Join the Shades of Strong Email List, our community of like-minded Black women empowering themselves and each other. Stay in the loop on new episodes and access to insightful discussions, resources, and practical tips for Black women, addressing their unique challenges and celebrating their resilience.



Connect on Social Media: Follow Shades of Strong on social media for content exploring the Black female experience and stay updated on the latest episodes and community events. We’re @shadesofstrong across all platforms.



Shop our Self-care Line in the Etsy shop where self-care is an art of nurturing the heart and soul. Our tools—mood trackers, journals, self-nurturing games, and coloring pages—are crafted to elevate your inner journey, inviting you to love your inner self as much as your outer self.



Next Episode Teaser: Tune in next time for an insightful conversation on “Breaking Free from the Ride or Die Mentality,” where we’ll explore how to navigate toxic patterns and prioritize self-respect in every area of our lives. 

My strong is empowering Black women.







Get ready for a powerful new season of Shades of Strong! Hosted by Shirley Hubbard and Natalyn Bradshaw, this podcast empowers Black women to embrace their authentic selves and challenge societal stereotypes.



Launching on April 9th, this season features compelling conversations with inspiring guests. From discussing the dangers of overextending without reciprocity to unmasking imposter syndrome, the topics are diverse and impactful. They'll also delve into the importance of healing from the mother and father wounds, and strategies for overcoming workplace bullying.



Join our email list for weekly encouragement, special offers, and a free 90-day digital energy and mood tracker. This tool complements the podcast's themes, helping listeners identify triggers and patterns for better self-care.



Connect with Shades of Strong on social media for daily inspiration and community discussions. Follow @shadesofstrong on all platforms.



Stay tuned for the new season, premiering April 9th! In the meantime, catch up on past episodes and share the podcast with your friends.









Join the Community: Join the Shades of Strong Email List, our community of like-minded Black women empowering themselves and each other. Stay in the loop on new episodes and access to insightful discussions, resources, and practical tips for Black women, addressing their unique challenges and celebrating their resilience.



Connect on Social Media: Follow Shades of Strong on social media for content exploring the Black female experience and stay updated on the latest episodes and community events. We’re @shadesofstrong across all platforms.



Shop our Self-care Line in the Etsy shop where self-care is an art of nurturing the heart and soul. Our tools—mood trackers, journals, self-nurturing games, and coloring pages—are crafted to elevate your inner journey, inviting you to love your inner self as much as your outer self.



Next Episode Teaser: Tune in next time for an insightful conversation on “Fostering a Practice of Humanizing Ourselves,” using the body scan method, we'll explore how we unintentionally dehumanize ourselves and discuss strategies on how to cultivate self-compassion and authenticity. Don't miss it. 



Listener Survey: Share your feedback with us HERE.

My strong is soft, feminine, and receptive. 







Long gone are the days when Black women are overextending and back bending all in the name of being strong, because contrary to poplular belief, Black women get to be be soft and strong. 









Tap in to this week's encore episode for a conversation with Ivory Benneet on how she's one of many Black women embracing being soft and strong. 













RESOURCES TO SUPPORT YOU IN DOING LIFE WITH LESS STRESS,

LESS WORRY, AND LESS EMOTIONAL OVERWHELM





Come gather and grow with us in the SOS SAFE SPACES support group.



Want to be a part of a community of Black women supporting Black women through the ebbs and flows of life? Come gather with us monthly to chat it up about all the things that concern us, while holding each other accountable with love — accountable for how we see ourselves, treat ourselves, walk through the world, and how we allow others to treat us. Join SOS SAFE SPACES today.









Cultivate a daily practice of nurturing yourself with Nurture Yourself Bingo



Nurturing yourself does not have to be difficult, but it does need to be consistent, so why not make it fun. Nurture Yourself Bingo is divided into five categories – one category per card. Each category has twenty-four activities to support you in a daily practice of nurturing yourself. All you need to do to get started is print the cards, laminate them, and start nurturing yourself.



Do one activity daily, marking a X in the squares as you go until you get bingo. Once you get bingo, do something to celebrate yourself. If you get bingo on more than one card at the same time, up the celebration. Alternatively, you can work on one card at a time and/or do more than one activity a day. It’s your practice, do what feels right for you. Whatever you decide, we've got FIVE CATEGORIES & 124 WAYS for you to do it.









Join the My Strong Is global campaign by being a guest on the podcast.



Listener Survey: Share your feedback with us HERE



Connect and share with us on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn and catch up with all things Shades of Strong at www.shadesofstrong.com.







               

My strong is creating an emotioanlly safe space.







One of the most harmful things about having emotional walls is missing out on great experiences with those you love and care about.  We build these walls with the hope of keeping harmful things out, not realizing that walls not only shut others out, they shut you in. 









Tap in to this week's encore episode for a conversation on how you can protect yourself without building emotional walls.













RESOURCES TO SUPPORT YOU IN DOING LIFE WITH LESS STRESS,

LESS WORRY, AND LESS EMOTIONAL OVERWHELM





Come gather and grow with us in the SOS SAFE SPACES support group.



Want to be a part of a community of Black women supporting Black women through the ebbs and flows of life? Come gather with us monthly to chat it up about all the things that concern us, while holding each other accountable with love — accountable for how we see ourselves, treat ourselves, walk through the world, and how we allow others to treat us. Join SOS SAFE SPACES today.









Cultivate a daily practice of nurturing yourself with Nurture Yourself Bingo



Nurturing yourself does not have to be difficult, but it does need to be consistent, so why not make it fun. Nurture Yourself Bingo is divided into five categories – one category per card. Each category has twenty-four activities to support you in a daily practice of nurturing yourself. All you need to do to get started is print the cards, laminate them, and start nurturing yourself.



Do one activity daily, marking a X in the squares as you go until you get bingo. Once you get bingo, do something to celebrate yourself. If you get bingo on more than one card at the same time, up the celebration. Alternatively, you can work on one card at a time and/or do more than one activity a day. It’s your practice, do what feels right for you. Whatever you decide, we've got FIVE CATEGORIES & 124 WAYS for you to do it.









Join the My Strong Is global campaign by being a guest on the podcast.



Listener Survey: Share your feedback with us HERE



Connect and share with us on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn and catch up with all things Shades of Strong at www.shadesofstrong.com.







               

My strong is  "resolute and standing firmly in my truth" Angela Bassett. 







They tell us to take risks – take lots of them. They tell us not to settle for mediocrity – fight for the life we want. So, we do! We fight with everything in us – not being easily intimidated. Not letting people walk all over us. We boldly speak up against unfairness and injustices in our personal and business lives.









We have the audacity to sit at the table where we've rightfully earned our seats. We fought! We pushed! We refused to be silenced!







And…now we've been labeled the ANGRY BLACK WOMAN. 



Every Black woman in America has been called ANGRY at least once in her lifetime, but Black women ain't out here angry for nothing. Tap in to this week's encore episode as we shine a light on how the angry Black woman label originated, how it's  been used for centuries to silence us and why it's okay to be justifiably angry without fear of being judged.











RESOURCES TO SUPPORT YOU IN DOING LIFE WITH LESS STRESS,

LESS WORRY, AND LESS EMOTIONAL OVERWHELM





Come gather and grow with us in the SOS SAFE SPACES support group.



Want to be a part of a community of Black women supporting Black women through the ebbs and flows of life? Come gather with us monthly to chat it up about all the things that concern us, while holding each other accountable with love — accountable for how we see ourselves, treat ourselves, walk through the world, and how we allow others to treat us. Join SOS SAFE SPACES today.









Cultivate a daily practice of nurturing yourself with Nurture Yourself Bingo



Nurturing yourself does not have to be difficult, but it does need to be consistent, so why not make it fun. Nurture Yourself Bingo is divided into five categories – one category per card. Each category has twenty-four activities to support you in a daily practice of nurturing yourself. All you need to do to get started is print the cards, laminate them, and start nurturing yourself.



Do one activity daily, marking a X in the squares as you go until you get bingo. Once you get bingo, do something to celebrate yourself. If you get bingo on more than one card at the same time, up the celebration. Alternatively, you can work on one card at a time and/or do more than one activity a day. It’s your practice, do what feels right for you. Whatever you decide, we've got FIVE CATEGORIES & 124 WAYS for you to do it.









Join the My Strong Is global campaign by being a guest on the podcast.



Listener Survey: Share your feedback with us HERE



Connect and share with us on Instagram, Facebook, Twitte...