True-confession time: This spring has yet to get me sprung. It’s likely because I’ve based myself in Northern cities, but as of yet, I’ve been uninspired by this season’s offerings—both weatherwise and in the way of a much-needed pick-me-up. The truth is, I’ve been fairly pissed off as of late, and I think I could use a good pep talk.
So when I heard that one of my Girlfriends-in-my-head, Tracee Ellis Ross, gave a talk at the TED2018 conference in Vancouver, British Columbia, I began to perk up. And when I discovered that the talk was on the wisdom of women’s fury, I knew it was exactly the validating cure for my malaise. Since she gave the talk last weekend, I’ve been scouring the internet to view it, but to no avail—at least, not yet. (Come on, TED!)
Instead, I’ve been subsisting on crumbs like this one, via Elle South Africa: “A woman’s fury holds a lifetime of wisdom,” said Ellis Ross. “It’s time to let it breathe.”
And this gem: “We’ve swallowed the furious feelings. We’ve tried to put them in some hidden place in our minds.”
Girl, all of this. And as an unapologetically, occasionally angry black woman who proudly comes from a long line of equally unapologetic angry black women, I’m already feeling validated by this talk TED is clearly holding hostage (is it because we’re angry black women?). But that’s just fine, because my girl Ellen DeGeneres came through with just the dose of Tracee I need until TED gets my life right.
Interviewing the Black-ish star on not only her TED Talk but also her incredible intelligence, DeGeneres low-key embarrasses herself with a litany of questions on obscure subjects, all of which Ellis Ross answers with ease (not hard when you have what seems to be a 200,000 IQ).
Watching the less-than-five-minute clip above, I’ve already learned that my spirit animal is not the peacock but the female prairie vole, which is seemingly the only mammal other than me that both prefers monogamy and alcohol to water (it’s good to know that’s biological and not just dysfunctional). I’ve also learned that my proclivity for swearing may be saving me from years of cellular damage, so I think it’s safe to say my endorphins are clearly poppin’.
I’ll continue to eagerly wait for Ellis Ross’ TED-approved pearls of wisdom to reach us. But in the meantime, enjoy the #BlackGirlMagic she brings to the Ellen show; this is what happens when you work twice as hard for half as much.
Update: TED has contacted me to say Tracee’s talk will be available April 25th. Expect to read all about it here, after I watch it on a loop for 24 hours.