Double Dutch

There are two words to describe the history of the African American Woman, Double Dutch. She jumps between two ropes, racism…jump, sexism…jump, repetitively, leaping and landing with graceful steps and courage. Those who’ve come before her, from the sidelines, encourage and chant the songs that have gotten them through the tricky ropes, “challenge, challenge 1…2…3”And she jumps, knowing she must be in perfect rhythm and precision or suffer the dire consequences discrimination brings. She’s aware of the fact that at some point, her jumping will end; sooner or later she’ll feel the lashes of inequality. Until the ropes no longer exist, every Woman, every African American is at risk. So why does she jump?

She jumps in reach of blessings, they exist between the clash of the ropes, in the roar of revolving twine that ironically produce no change. She will not be conquered, even with whelps on her limbs and mind. Without struggle, there is no progress, and progression for her, her children, and her grandchildren means sacrifice. Her resistance of racism and sexism makes the fight that much easier for the next generations. She fights with her soul and her soles. Jump girl…jump!