Black Grandma-isms and how my grandmother helped shaped me

“If you’re going to sleep with a man, make sure he pays for it, even if it is a quarter.”

—Grandma Lolo

 

March marks the start of Women’s History Month, which is a month-long celebration of the many contributions women have made throughout history and in modern society. Although I regularly make it a point to highlight the women in my life who inspire me and make waves in the world, Women’s Month gives us the opportunity to take the time to learn more about the impact women have made throughout time. For me, one of the most impactful women in my life has been my Grandma Lolo. In my book, This Is Only a Test, I talked about the wisdom and guidance she instilled in me over the years and how important her presence has been in my life, both personally and in business. Like many black grandmas, she was quite direct when she spoke with me and always offered some crazy yet insightful advice, something I like to call “grandma-isms”. 

On Instagram, I asked my lovely followers to share some of their favorite grandma-isms, and ya’ll definitely delivered. Here are some of my favorites!

 

@luv.angelaxoxo: “Don’t give a man enough money to buy a mosquito a pair of stockings…Grandma Gracie Lee Robinson”

 

@chasethewaist: “Every goodbye ain’t gone, every shut eye ain’t sleep.”

 

@therealmonicaj: “You don’t believe fat meat greasy, huh?”

 

@toya_saaa: “Show me your friends, and I will tell you who you are.”

 

@itslauren_89: “Every grin ain’t a friend.”

 

For most of our lives, our grandmas worked to raise, nurture, and guide us into the adults we are today. I know for a fact that without my Grandma Lolo’s guidance and wisdom pushing me in the right direction, I would not be in the position I am today. She taught me to fight for what I wanted and to never settle for less than I deserve. She, along with my mother, molded me into the powerful, capable woman I am today, and I’m forever grateful for her love and support, no matter how crazy she seemed when I was younger!

This Women’s History Month, I want to salute all of the black grandmas out there and thank them for all of the love and wisdom they so graciously offer us as we traverse through life and its many challenges. With so many things distracting us from embracing the important people in our lives, let’s take the time to honor and highlight the influential women who continue to make our world a better, more peaceful place.

Here are a few photos of my amazing Grandma-Lolo!