There’s one thing many people desire; a feeling of belonging in their friendships. Whether you feel like you belong with a group of athletes, artists, cooks, or people with similar interests, having a group where you connect is essential for people to feel happy.
That connection is why it is so important to have a group of Black friends. Black issues are incredibly unique, and having people around you who understand them is vital. It doesn’t even need to be a group of friends, even just one black girl that you can look at for support and companionship is great! Being around people who are like you makes you feel accepted and safe, and your race is certainly one thing you should feel that you can accept.
There are so many different people with diverse interests that finding a Black friend who shares a similar interest with you may not be as hard as you think.
Having Black friends helps you to:
- Accept your Black identity more
- Have a safe space to talk about racial problems without judgment
- Connect more with the diversity of Black cultures
- Learn more about yourself
Before I had a group of Black friends that I could depend on and talk about, I found myself feeling very isolated. While having friends of different races was great and gave me an insight into their lives, I never truly felt like I was able to talk to them about issues pertaining to my identity. It felt like I would be complaining to an empty room since they were unable to relate. Now, with Black friends that I feel comfortable talking to, we can laugh about jokes, talk about things bothering us, and provide pillars of support for one another!
There are so many places where you can meet new Black friends. Sports, arts, clubs, and black spaces are great places to meet people! Black spaces are also a great place to foster conversations pertaining to racial identity. Many schools have a BSU (Black Student Union), and community events such as get-togethers, potlucks, conferences, and dances are fantastic opportunities to build new bridges.
So before you give up on reaching out, think about how not only you but the other person too, could benefit from a new connection. New friendships are always great, but when you truly feel linked to someone, it is astonishing how much you can learn!
