Actress Ernestine Johnson’s Profound Spoken Word Performance, on the Arsino Hall Show

“I would like to be known as an intelligent woman,
a courageous woman,
a loving woman,
a woman who teaches by being.”
– Maya Angelou

I recently discovered this amazing video clip of one of the hottest voices currently making waves within the spoken word community, Ernestine Johnson, performing her original poem, The Average Black Girl, on the Arsenio Hall Show. In less than five minutes, Ernestine clearly illustrates the complicated internal struggle modern day African American women face, when presented with sardonic socially imposed stereotypes, in the disguise of compliments. She confronts the negative stereotypes associated with the superficial expectations that characterize “the average black woman”, by debunking the toxic societal myths left over from a history of unjust subjection. Using history against itself, Ernestine supports her argument by emphasizing the work and legacies of powerful black women, who’s influence encouraged constructive progress and ultimately changed the world. Ernestine’s performance was nothing short of brilliant, and her insightful, poignant, words of wisdom are an excellent source of empowerment for women, during Black History Month. The execution of this enlightening spoken word piece encourages a reflective experience for people from all backgrounds, so I highly encourage each of you to check out the video below.

Ernestine Johnson Performs ‘The Average Black Girl’ on the Arsenio Hall Show

*source: youtube.com

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