10 Ways To Show Appreciation For The Black Women In Your Life

In the weeks leading up to Thanksgiving, we often begin to reflect on the things we’re grateful for, but it’s equally important to show gratitude. Feeling appreciated is a need that we all have, but unfortunately, the constant demands of day-to-day life often cause us to skip this step. Giving thanks doesn’t have to be a grand gesture that breaks the bank or consumes all of your time. In fact, appreciation is most felt through the little things. If you’ve ever wondered how to let a Black woman in your life know just how much you value her, continue reading for 10 simple ways to go about doing so.

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Treat her to a cup of coffee

Black women are out here making moves. Not only are we the most educated demographic in the United States, but we’re also the fastest-growing group of entrepreneurs. We are booked, busy, and tired, so if you really want to show appreciation, offer to buy her a cup of coffee.

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Point out one thing that you admire about her

Black women are constantly receiving messages from society — both subliminally and not so subliminally — that we are less than. After a while, this begins to chisel away at even the most strong-minded woman’s self-esteem. If there’s something that you admire about a Back woman, tell her.

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Listen to her

We have to fight twice as hard as others to be heard at work, to be taken seriously by our healthcare providers, and for our interests to be considered by lawmakers. We are tired of saying the same things over and over again. If you really want to make a Black woman feel valued, listen to her the first time.

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Give her credit for her ideas and insight

In addition to listening to her the first time, let her know that you value her opinion by giving her credit for her work. Don’t pick her brain for her insight and ideas and then get amnesia when it’s time to give kudos.

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Compensate her fairly

Despite being the most educated demographic and the fastest-growing group of entrepreneurs in the United States, Black women are earning less money in the workforce as well as in entrepreneurship and in venture capital for doing the same work as our white male counterparts. If you want to make a Black woman feel appreciated, don’t shortchange her.

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Do what you say you’re going to do

“F*ck it, I’ll do it myself” is said to be a Black woman proverb because it often feels like we’re all we got at the end of the day. Nothing says “I appreciate you” to a Black woman like standing by your word and doing what you said you were going to do.

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Compliment her hair

As Black women, we take great pride in our hair. It’s part of our identity. We go to great lengths to care for and style our tresses. So if you see a sister having a good hair day, let her know.

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Send a handwritten card or letter

We live in the digital age and the majority of our communication occurs through our electronic devices. While it’s certainly more convenient to send a quick text or email, handwritten cards are more personal and thoughtful. They force us to slow down and carefully choose our words. If you want to express your appreciation and gratitude for her, sending a handwritten card or letter is much more impactful.

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Say thank you

Sometimes, we get so caught up that we forget the power of simple words such as “please” and “thank you.”

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Send flowers

A beautiful floral arrangement paired with a thoughtful card is enough to make any woman feel appreciated.