A FILM SERIES BY ONYI MOSS
“Black Women Are Soft Too” is a film series by Onyi Moss which focuses on the softness in black women that is more often than not amiss in the depiction of black women in the media.
Black women are usually portrayed as being attached to their trauma, and in most instances doesn’t leave room to celebrate their other sides which includes softness.
“Black Women Are Soft Too” aims to change this narrative by highlighting the softness that exists in black women despite any trauma they may have faced.
This will be an ongoing series showcasing black women across the globe with each episode focusing on one black woman resting in softness.
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The second episode featuring Marie Zoumanigui is now live.
Marie who describes herself as a content creator and dreamer is a New York actor whose Instagram page reflects authenticity and femininity. Her images depict serene city life, home decor, many green plants and a beautiful soft smile to complete the picture. She runs a blog petitmarienyc but maintains “she is not an actual petite”.
It is clear that Marie has found her sweet spot resting perfectly in softness and reflecting this in her craft. From flowing silk skirts to hygge home decor and an array of intriguing photos to tell her story, Marie’s demeanor reminds us that “Black women are soft too”.
In this episode Marie answers the below questions;
1. What are some of the everyday things that bring you joy?
Some of the everyday things that bring me joy are very basic in my opinion, but they make me really happy. Some of those things include a cup of coffee or tea in the morning that is amazing! Also, going on walks throughout the city and different neighbourhoods makes me really happy. Hanging out with my partner watching HGTV and thinking of our future house really brings me a lot of joy. I have 10-20 plants in my home and taking care of them makes me really happy. These things are basic but they bring me a lot of joy.
2. Your work embodies softness amongst other things. Tell us how you’ve come to express it so beautifully?
I find beauty in softness and this is what I try to capture, I try to capture an emotional connection. I believe when you start with what you like and what makes you happy, then you can express that through your work without even knowing it. It just starts from within and shows in your work.
3. Often we as black women are portrayed as being attached to our struggles and trauma which translates as strength as opposed to the humanity and softness that also exist in us. Why do you think black women aren’t usually portrayed as soft in the media?
I think it is easier to ignore someone’s humanity when you tell yourself or when you believe that they can take it. There is always the notion of “oh black women are strong, they have been through stuff, they can handle it”. Black women handle it because we have no choice, however inside it may not be strong we are feeling, it might just be ‘not strong and just human and falling apart’ all at the same time. I feel it is easier for people or for the media to ignore humanity when they tell themselves or believe that you are strong and can handle it.
There is a reason why black women die at a higher rate than any other race when it comes to childbirth and it is because there is an idea that they are strong and can handle it, sure we are strong but listen to black women when they say they are in pain.
4. What advice would you give to black women looking to embrace their soft side?
It comes down to finding out what brings you joy and leaning into those things, and when you do that, you know the softness in you will just come through without you even trying because they generally bring you joy. Also, just as important is being a joyful, positive person and looking for the good in things. This does not take away from the acknowledgement of understanding that the opposite of those things also happens. We are aware that these two sides can coexist but you have a choice to decide where you put your energy into and I always choose to put my energy into joy and positivity because this gives me the boost I need to keep going.
Leaning into those things that bring joy and make you happy is my advise to black women on how to embrace their soft side.
Follow Marie’s journey on Instagram where you can feast your eyes on gorgeous city life photos, feminine fashion and lovely green plants.
Chichi is a Writer, Lifestyle Creative and Mum, who uses word artistry to paint pictures of life’s simple luxuries, whilst in the same breath harnessing the power of storytelling to encourage positivity.
She is the Founder and Creative Director of @mumsnation, a platform where she shares celebratory stories of fiercely fabulous mums.
Her work can be found on chichimorris.com and her social media @thechichimorris @mumsnation
