Okay ladies, now let’s get in formation! Man, that song is catchy. Hey guys, Medgina here!

I can’t believe how fast time is flying by – I’ve almost been writing for Adorned in Armor for a year. I’m loving the new site and can’t wait to see the remaining additions!

Maybe I do have special privileges of being featured and writing on AIA since I’m Tarah’s sister, but the main reason I am here is because she believed in me and saw the abilities I had that could be used in different outlets. This is contributor thing is still new for me and I’m still learning. Thankfully, it’s in a space where it is all about inspiring women to grow/learn in all aspects.

What I’m trying to say, however, is that you don’t have to be related to someone to support them. If you’re a woman, you’re automatically initiated into the sisterhood. This sisterhood is limitless no matter the race, size or economic status.

Now, let’s talk feminism.

I think when feminism is defined or even brought up, we have three main reactions: annoyance, confusion and division.

Annoyance because the definition gets clouded and distorted into memes/gifs on Twitter. This leads to confusion on what the goal of the movement actually is! The division is inevitable seeing that you’re either a “real feminist”, following along on the ride or being selective on which feminist voices matter.

The table is but so big, ladies! We have to make sure there’s a seat for all voices and that we don’t push women away in the process. Your issue is my issue and so on so forth.

We have enough people telling us how to live our lives as it is let’s not make the fight any harder. Get in line and encourage the women around you. Knowing that when you fall or stumble that you have someone to rely on and help you get back on your feet is the assurance I’m sure we all need. Come on and get in formation ladies☺.

On behalf of it being National Poetry Month, the poem below is dedicated to all of the women affected by the Boko Harem hostage situation. #BringBackOurGirls campaign led to widely recognized attention the crisis. I think it’s instances like these where we have to wake up and realize the importance in valuing the lives of the women around us. We all have specifically different stories that should bring us together — don’t forget.

Much love,

Medge <3

“Upon A Star”

I used to tease my little sister,

Telling her to “toughen up”

And stop being such a big “baby”.

I needed her to grow up and learn the hard way, simple truths:

Life doesn’t hand you a Band-Aid,

A kiss on the forehead,

Or packaged lunches,

Sealed with optical illusions of a world who does not judge her because of the body she is in.

I would poke fun at the cartoons adorning her wall,

Reciting stories told of mystical beings with the power to claim their destiny.

When you wish upon a star,

Walt isn’t creating a sing-a-long but illustrating how to behave.

Scrubbing the kitchen floor like Cinderella,

Barely in action: Aurora who slept with such beauty that a prince came rushing in to save her,

Or Ariel twirling with glee after she sold her voice to be with the man she loved.

Let’s not forget Princess Tiana,

Who had every chance to become a glowing princess but was reduced to a frog,

Trudging her way through swamps,

Searching for magic

Or some sense of peace to finally be human.

Once upon a time:

A true mermaid’s voice is actually a siren,

Blaring and shattering everyone in her wake.

One never wakes a woman up before the rest she’s allotted:

That’s when the claws come out.

The body that cleans

Also has the power to create.

I do not want my sister to become Tiana.

A beautiful black woman,

Begging the stars to give her a happy ending.

She needed to tear off her apron and realize-

The world can be 234 more times cruel,

Shoving even when she had her fill,

Tearing even as she lay broken,

Telling her what a women’s worth actually stood for.

There are no roles, make your own.