Radical, simple desire to be seen, supported and safe.
When I first watched Wicked, I cried. Not just the tears of someone moved by breathtaking talent, stunning costumes, and enchanting fantasy. I cried for something deeper. Something personal. I cried because Elphaba—the misunderstood green-skinned protagonist—was me.
She mirrored the little Black girl with “freaky green eyes” and freckles that I once was and the woman I am today. Elphaba, in all her defiance, brilliance, and heartbreak, echoed the essence of a Black woman navigating a world that often misunderstands and vilifies her.
This connection isn’t just personal; it’s cultural. Watching Wicked was both cathartic and confrontational, forcing me to acknowledge the weight of ongoing trauma and the radical, simple desire to be seen, supported, and safe.
1. Judged Constantly by Skin Color
Elphaba was ostracized for her green skin; Black women face the weaponization of their melanin daily. Society judges us based on hues we never chose, layering assumptions and prejudices onto our very existence.
2. Told to Be Seen, Not Heard
From childhood, many Black women are taught to shrink themselves, to make others comfortable by fading into the background. Like Elphaba, we’re told our voices are too loud, our opinions too bold.
3. Demanded Compassion Without Reciprocity
We’re often expected to show compassion to those who offer none in return, to “play the game” for people who don’t see us as equals.
4. Expected to Dim Our Magic
Black girl magic is real, but the world often demands that we hide it, tone it down, or apologize for it. Elphaba’s power was threatening to others—just as our brilliance can be.
5. Betrayed by Those We Trust
Entrusting our vulnerabilities to others, especially white women, too often ends in betrayal. Their choice of convenience over justice can sting in ways that feel almost impossible to recover from.
6. Fighting for the Greater Good, Yet Vilified
Even when fighting for justice or advocating for change, Black women are labeled as “angry,” “difficult,” or even “evil,” just as Elphaba was.
7. Allies Who Betray for Personal Gain
Time and again, we believe in allies who later reveal themselves to be opportunists, willing to sacrifice the collective good for individual success.
8. Criticized for Independence
Inside and outside our culture, independence is a double-edged sword. We’re criticized for being “too independent” yet left to manage alone when support is needed most.
9. Contributions Exploited or Overlooked
Our leadership and achievements are frequently exploited, overlooked, or outright claimed by others. Sound familiar? Elphaba’s brilliance was ignored until it served someone else.
10. Labeled as “Too Much”
Ambition, intelligence, and a refusal to conform are often perceived as threats. Black women are labeled as “too much,” “intimidating,” or “angry” simply for existing in our full power.
Bonus: Thriving Despite Systemic Opposition
Elphaba thrived despite the odds stacked against her, and so do we. Black women excel in spaces not designed for our success, proving time and again that we are unstoppable.
Why Wicked Matters to Black Women
I’m heading to see Wicked again today, and I encourage every Black woman to do the same. Bring your friends, your sisters, and the young Black girls in your life. They deserve to see themselves in Elphaba’s story—to see that their magic, their resilience, and their fight for justice aren’t just valid—they’re powerful.
What Speaks to You?
Which of these parallels resonated with you the most? Was it the betrayal of allies? The dimming of your light? Or the constant judgment of your skin?
Drop your thoughts below or share them with someone who needs to hear this.
If you’re a Black woman who hasn’t seen Wicked, make plans to go. Trust me—it’s more than a musical. It’s a mirror.
Beloved Wellness Center Kenosha
At Beloved Wellness Center Kenosha, we center Black women and girls because the world often doesn’t. Too often, their voices are ignored, their experiences misunderstood, and their needs overlooked. Here, we change that.
Our goal is simple: to create a space where Black women and girls feel seen and supported. We honor your stories, your struggles and your strengths while helping you embrace your full potential.
For Black Women Searching for a Therapist
If you’ve struggled to find a therapist who understands your lived experiences, you’re not alone. At Beloved Wellness Center, we provide:
Culturally Affirming Care: Therapy that celebrates your identity and empowers your healing.
A Safe Space: No need to explain—it’s already understood.
Support and Community: You don’t have to navigate this journey alone.
You deserve care that uplifts and empowers you. Let us help you not just survive but thrive. Your healing matters.
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