Editor's Note

Abstract

Editor's Note Kamilah Marie Woodson, PhD The black women intimacy, sexuality and relationships special Issue was born out of an inspiring conversation between four phenomenal Black women during the Annual Association of Black Sexologists and Clinicians Spring Roundtable Series in St. Thomas, USVI. We attended the conference to present our research. I, myself, wanted to use the opportunity to advance my practice. However, I gained something far more special than what I planned prior to the trip. I acquired a roadmap that resulted from our conversation that would allow me to take bold first steps towards my growth and healing from past traumatic relationship experiences. There is power in numbers! My co-editors Karen, Stacey, Jannis, and I decided to draw from our talk to begin the process of framing this Special Issue and soliciting other voices. The response to our request was overwhelmingly positive and liberating. From what was an impromptu yet emotional exchange among four girlfriends sprang a wealth of scholarly knowledge about Black women empowerment. "Joy comes in the morning," says biblical scripture. Our professional and personal challenges and constraints were shared over a sunrise breakfast overlooking the bay. As a Black woman in the academy, I must say, laying your burdens by the proverbial riverside is a lonely proposition. However, St. Thomas allowed me to gather support from a group of solid sisters. This was our safe place and space to create our circle of protection to discuss and heal from the debilitating effects of estranged family relationships, divorce, single parenthood, being a female-headed household, weight gain, hair loss, cancer, aging, and so many other vulnerable matters like being viewed as the B-word in our workplaces we Black women oftentimes keep to ourselves in the darkness of night in silence. This special issue underscores these themes. For example, the Article on Choosing Singlehood, by Jonece Layne, Erika Simms, Amber Clunie, and Kamilah Marie Woodson highlights the importance of having Black women honor ourselves [End Page 3] in recognizing that we, as we are, are enough! Being vulnerable is a form of protest against darkness and silence while on the journey toward healing. Thus, in this compendium, the light and lives of Black women representing an array of cultural, economic, and political are presented as a compass. As "strong" Black women we tend to somaticize, which creates alopecia, hypertension, obesity, migraines, fibromyalgia, etc. while appearing to be flourishing and doing well. Shining light on our real and lived experiences shows the world that we in fact are human and that our needs and dispositions deserve attention. I, too, bought into the crippling and paralyzing trope going about my days and nights numb. However, pain was omnipresent despite my best efforts to move forward. No number of books I could edit or write, academic appointments I would accept, promotions I earn, or practices I open could ever diminish the hurt and disappointment I felt inside, if I were not healed from external threats and impacts or self-inflicted trauma. But thanks to our sister circle today, I see clearer, feel better, and think further now that the rain is gone. This Special Issues gives voice to the voiceless and those who may feel they're lone travelers while going through storms. While there is much to still consider on my journey, my sister circle reminded me to stop and smell the flowers. They also encouraged me to plant my own yet cautioned me to not dilly dally or waste time dwelling on the past. However, pulling weeds along and treating the soil are a necessity for healing and growing, but as we know, it takes time to bring forth triumph and a bountiful harvest. The work of our Special Issue contributors reflects that harvest. They give voice to our struggles. More importantly, however, they highlight our triumphs. As my garden has grown, their seeds of knowledge will advance healing journeys of those engaging with the literature. "Water your garden" was the mantra delivered to me by Thema Bryant, PhD, President of The American Psychological Association, when last we met this past summer. What reaffirming words that I share with you and those of my...