A Letter To The Black Women Of Wrestling

Dear Bianca & each and every Black woman in wrestling, 

In a world that too often feels like it wasn't built with us in mind, your presence, resilience, and excellence within the wrestling ring serve as beacons of hope and empowerment. Your journey is not just a testament to your undeniable talent but also to your incredible strength as you navigate the challenges that come with being Black and female in an industry that has long been dominated by white men.

The intersection of Blackness and womanhood is a complex space where you are forced to contend with not just the hurdles inherent to a highly competitive sport but also with the societal barriers that seek to undermine and marginalize you.

We know your journey isn't easy. Being Black and a woman in wrestling means facing double the barriers. You deal with unfair criticism, unwelcome advances, and a constant pressure to be superhuman. It's heartbreaking to see an industry we love struggle with racism, sexism, and negativity. Bianca's recent experiences are a stark reminder of the battles you all face.

It’s disheartening, yet unsurprising to see an industry, with a long history of favoring white male narratives, still perpetuate an environment where racism, sexism, and verbal abuse are all too prevalent.

You exist in a realm where your every action is scrutinized more harshly, where your achievements are often belittled or dismissed, and where your very identity can become a target for vilification and assault.

The recent ordeals faced by Bianca Belair cast a stark light on the relentless harassment and prejudice that are all too familiar to you, highlighting the unfair expectation for you to always be the bastion of strength and resilience, even in the face of .

The line between constructive criticism and the harmful barrage of sexist and racist remarks is clear, and it is vital for our community to stand firm against such injustices, demanding that the volume of our apologies match that of the disrespect. We all need to advocate for a wrestling world where inclusivity, respect, and safety aren’t just ideals but realities for everyone, irrespective of race or gender.

Your courage, your talent, and your indomitable spirit are an inspiration to us all. Bianca Belair and all the Black women in wrestling, please know this: you are not alone. You are seen, you are cherished, and you are unwaveringly supported.

Where Black Girl Wrestling Comes In:

Wrestling mirrors society, with all its virtues and flaws. The lack of diversity in wrestling media not only reflects missed opportunities for representation but also underscores the systemic barriers silencing Black women's voices. Black Girl Wrestling arose from this gap, aspiring to be the catalyst for an industry-wide transformation.

The necessity for a space like Black Girl Wrestling is undeniable. In a world where the subtleties of Black womanhood & culture are often misunderstood or overlooked, and social differences can lead to exclusion, this platform serves as a vital conduit for dialogue, education, and empowerment.It embraces the complexities of identity, the advocacy for representation, and the celebration of Black women's triumphs in wrestling.

As we nurture and expand Black Girl Wrestling, we do so with the firm belief in the significance of our voices, the power of our stories, and the essential role we play in wrestling. We embarked on this journey motivated by a recognition of the need for representation, understanding, and systemic change, aiming not only to reshape wrestling media but also to contribute to a broader discourse on diversity, inclusion, and the transformative power of representation.

This fight is about creating a wrestling world where everyone feels safe, respected, and valued. We need more Black women in the ring, behind the scenes, and in the stands. We created Black Girl Wrestling because we longed to see ourselves reflected in the world of wrestling media.

Black Girl Wrestling isn't just about us, it's for everyone who believes in the power of diversity and inclusion. It's a call to action for fans, wrestlers, and industry leaders to embrace the richness of Black culture in wrestling. Join us in creating a space where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued.

This is our platform. Our stories. Our takes. Together, we're changing the face of wrestling, one powerful story at a time & if you don’t like it I got two words for ya…