Thanks KG for passing along this Audre Lorde quote:

"we have to consciously study how to be tender with each other until it becomes habit because what was native has been stolen from us, the love of black women for each other. but we can practice being gentle with ourselves by being gentle with that piece of ourselves that is hardest to hold, by giving more to the brave bruised girlchild within each of us, by expecting a little less from her gargantuan efforts to excel. we can love her in the light as well as in the darkness, quiet her frenzy toward perfection and encourage her attentions toward fulfillment. maybe then we will come to appreciate more how much she has taught us, and how much she is doing to keep this world revolving toward some livable future....it would be ridiculous to believe that this process is not lengthy and difficult. it is suicidal to believe it is not possible."