… I’m taking my freedom
Pulling it off the shelf
Putting it on my chain
Wear it around my neck
I’m taking my freedom
Putting it in my car
Wherever I choose to go
It will take me far
The iconic lyrics of Jill Scott are passionate and move mountains when they touch your ears. Jill represents the vigor and strength of Black women. Jill penned the lyrics to this song as she was going through her divorce. She said she needed to create her on personal anthem about taking her freedom back and starting a new beginning . A begining that was Golden! Jill’s personal anthem has transformed into the anthem, prayer and mantra for many Black women. No matter where I go in the the world, when this song is played I see Black women rise up look each other in the eye and in rhythm sing “Living my Life like it’s Golden, Living my Life like it’s Golden, Living my Life like it’s Golden ……. It is a powerful vision of power and beauty. 2024 Olympic Champion Jordan Chiles is that same vision of power and beauty. Jordan is truly golden and we will never forget it.
The 2024 Olympics were amazing. Many winners from Simon Byles, Gabby Thomas, Aja Wilson, Sydney McLaughlin-Levorn’s and many others. Black women in the United States and in many other countries dominated the Olympic Games. Despite all the medal winners, one particular medal winner stood out to me. Her name is Jordan Chiles. As most of us know, Jordan is a member of the United States women’s gymnastic team. She is the one who’s smile is infectious, who’s energy is contagious and who’s enthusiasm makes everyone feel great about themselves. Jordan is “That Girl.” During the games, Jordan was the one hyping up her teammates before an event. She was leading the cheers after dismount or the completion of a floor exercise for all her teammates. Jordan was being “That Girl” for all those USA girls.
A few years before the Olympus, Jordan Chiles suffered mental illness. Jordan saw that illness almost take gymnastics from her. It instilled so much doubt that she was not sure she could continue in the sport she loved. Despite those challenges, Jordan accepted the love and support of the GOAT, Simone Biles. Simone spoke with Jordan and loved on Jordan. Simone loved on Jordan and gave her what she needed. She lifted Jordan up when others were putting her down. She protected Jordan while others left her open for ridicule. Simone was a covering Angel for her friend Jordan.
Jordan won team gold in Paris. Jordan also won a bronze in the overall individual floor exercise. The bronze was controversial, contested, attempted to be taken back and considered by some to be unmerited. The reasons for the controversy are not important. The important piece is that Jordan kept living her life like it’s golden. In fact, Jordan and Simone shined some gold and love on the Brazilian floor exercise gold medal winner with an impromptu bow and tribute during the medal ceremony.
Jordan did not engage those who challenged her win. Instead, she took a mental wellness break from social media and took time for herself. Jordan did not justify her value by trying to prove her worth. Instead, she stood boldly and let others see her strength. Jordan let others advocate on her behalf. She knew that sometimes a Golden Life means moving in silence. Jordan not only went high when they went low, she went higher and twisted and flipped and turned and landed perfectly. She went for a golden finish and showed everyone how to “Live Your Life Like It’s Golden!”
There are times where there is no #BlackGirlMagic. The better description is #BlackGirlWork, or maybe #BlackGirlTalent, or maybe #BlackGirlSupport, or maybe #BlackGirlWellness, or maybe #BlackGirlGolden. Because sometimes there’s no magic and instead that Black Girl is living her life like it’s Golden, living her life like it’s Golden.
Thank you Jordan. You showed the world that you are Golden and you are truly “That Girl.”
JB
Fade to Black
JB’s Corner 