We see her holding everyone down. Showing up. Staying strong. But who’s checking on her?
In this episode of MAQ Musings: Conversations Unveiled, Marquita unpacks the weight of being labeled “the strong Black girl”—a title often rooted in survival but laced with silence, burnout, and invisibility.

We talk about how generational expectations, cultural norms, and internalized pressure have created a script many of us never agreed to—but still follow. Drawing on research from the American Psychological Association, we explore how Black women and girls are more likely to suffer from emotional suppression, unaddressed trauma, and “superwoman syndrome,” all while being praised for their strength.

Key Takeaways:

• Understanding the origins and impact of the "Strong Black Woman" trope

• The connection between unacknowledged emotional labor and mental health disparities

• How to rewrite the narrative with softness, support, and self-permission

Referenced Research:
Beauboeuf-Lafontant, T. (2009). Behind the Mask of the Strong Black Woman: Voice and the Embodiment of a Costly Performance. Temple University Press.
Woods-Giscombé, C. L. (2010). Superwoman Schema: African American Women’s Views on Stress, Strength, and Health. Qualitative Health Research, 20(5), 668–683.
American Psychological Association. (2021). Ethnic and racial disparities in mental health treatment.

Disclaimer:
This podcast episode is intended for informational and reflective purposes only and does not replace professional mental health support. If you or someone you know is struggling, we encourage you to reach out to a licensed therapist, counselor, or mental health provider.

In this game-changing episode, Marquita shares how a simple 10-second pause can help you reclaim emotional control and reset your nervous system. Learn how the brain reacts under pressure, why the pause matters, and how to model this practice for the girls in your life. With wisdom from Viktor Frankl and neuroscience from Harvard Health, this one’s all about creating freedom through stillness.

Credits:
Hosted by Marquita, Founder of MAQ Mentoring. Inspired by Viktor Frankl’s Man’s Search for Meaning and neuroscience insights from Harvard Health Publishing (2021).

Disclaimer:
The content shared in this series is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as psychological advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult a licensed professional for personal mental health needs or concerns.

Connect with Us:
Website: www.maqmentoring.org
Instagram, Facebook, YouTube: @maqmentoring
Email: mclark@maqmentoring.org

Remember: Every girl is valued. Every story matters. You always belong.

Why do so many of us grow older without growing emotionally? In Episode 2 of Feel It to Heal It, Marquita dives deep into emotional maturity—why it’s often skipped, how it’s connected to generational norms, and what today’s girls are up against. With insights from Erik Erikson’s psychosocial development theory and real-life reflection prompts, this episode invites you to break the cycle and grow through what you go through.

Credits:
Hosted by Marquita, Founder of MAQ Mentoring. Informed by Erik Erikson’s stages of development and APA research on Gen Z mental health (2023).

Disclaimer:The content shared in this series is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as psychological advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult a licensed professional for personal mental health needs or concerns.

Connect with Us:Website: ⁠www.maqmentoring.org⁠Instagram. Facebook, YouTube: ⁠@maqmentoring⁠Email: ⁠mclark@maqmentoring.org⁠

Remember: Every girl is valued. Every story matters. You always belong.