Black Girl Power: Unforgettable Lessons on Love, Life and Friendship

Real women speak on the power of Black sisterhood.

Lean on Me, Sis! - We asked seven women to share the best piece of advice they ever received from a lady they love. Read on to share in the counsel these women can't live without. By Kenrya Rankin(Photo: LWA/Dann Tardif/Blend Images/Corbis)

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Lean on Me, Sis! - We asked seven women to share the best piece of advice they ever received from a lady they love. Read on to share in the counsel these women can't live without. By Kenrya Rankin(Photo: LWA/Dann Tardif/Blend Images/Corbis)

Britt Middleton, 29, Atlanta - "Don't let anyone play you cheap." It's an old saying, but it's one that totally holds up today. And it's a favorite of my mom! From the personal relationships I make to my career choices and everything in between, she has always preached the virtue of knowing my worth. It's this advice that gave me the confidence to ask for what I want and recognize what I don't. (Photo: Britt Middleton)

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Britt Middleton, 29, Atlanta - "Don't let anyone play you cheap." It's an old saying, but it's one that totally holds up today. And it's a favorite of my mom! From the personal relationships I make to my career choices and everything in between, she has always preached the virtue of knowing my worth. It's this advice that gave me the confidence to ask for what I want and recognize what I don't. (Photo: Britt Middleton)

Candice Hoyes, 35, New York - My mom, Jennifer Hoyes, often tells stories of Anansi, the fabled Ghanaian spider who lives by his quick wit. Her favorite story: "Anansi had five brothers. They took all the mangoes, leaving him none. Anansi didn't fight them or argue about the mangoes. Calmly he said, 'All right, each of you can give me half of yours.' And his belly was full." It reminds me of two things. One, we all do better when we share. Two, people are more motivated to help when you ask for something they can deliver. So when you ask help of your friends, boss or community, it's important be clear about your needs and how you will use it. (Photo: Candice Hoyes)

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Candice Hoyes, 35, New York - My mom, Jennifer Hoyes, often tells stories of Anansi, the fabled Ghanaian spider who lives by his quick wit. Her favorite story: "Anansi had five brothers. They took all the mangoes, leaving him none. Anansi didn't fight them or argue about the mangoes. Calmly he said, 'All right, each of you can give me half of yours.' And his belly was full." It reminds me of two things. One, we all do better when we share. Two, people are more motivated to help when you ask for something they can deliver. So when you ask help of your friends, boss or community, it's important be clear about your needs and how you will use it. (Photo: Candice Hoyes)

Brittny Wells, 27, Tallahassee, FL - I was getting ready to graduate with my doctorate when I realized that while I was surrounded by friends, very few of my family members made the time to celebrate with me. When I told my mother I was confused, hurt and angry, she reminded me that blood is not always thicker than water. "You should be looking for loyalty," she said. That simple sentence shifted my perspective and made me realize how much I should cherish the friends who have always been there for me. It still rings true to me today. (Photo: Brittny Wells)

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Brittny Wells, 27, Tallahassee, FL - I was getting ready to graduate with my doctorate when I realized that while I was surrounded by friends, very few of my family members made the time to celebrate with me. When I told my mother I was confused, hurt and angry, she reminded me that blood is not always thicker than water. "You should be looking for loyalty," she said. That simple sentence shifted my perspective and made me realize how much I should cherish the friends who have always been there for me. It still rings true to me today. (Photo: Brittny Wells)

Erica Young, 34, Clinton, MD - "Live your truth." I have a big personality, but I used to hold back the full picture of who I am out of fear that people would see me as difficult or off-putting. But my bestie Kenrya Rankin has always encouraged me to speak up for myself, own my feelings and be true to who I am. She never misses a chance to assure me that she loves me no matter what, which frees me up to not care what other people think.(Photo: Erica Young)

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Erica Young, 34, Clinton, MD - "Live your truth." I have a big personality, but I used to hold back the full picture of who I am out of fear that people would see me as difficult or off-putting. But my bestie Kenrya Rankin has always encouraged me to speak up for myself, own my feelings and be true to who I am. She never misses a chance to assure me that she loves me no matter what, which frees me up to not care what other people think.(Photo: Erica Young)

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Corinne Mason, 32, Camden, NJ - "Never allow anyone else's notion of what you should be dictate who you believe yourself to be." I work in law enforcement, where I'm often the only woman of color in the room. There have been many who looked at me and I thought I didn't belong, or were upset when I secured the promotion they wanted. But my mother taught me to trust in God and never let naysayers deter me from what I know I am capable of doing and being. (Photo: Corinne Mason)

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Corinne Mason, 32, Camden, NJ - "Never allow anyone else's notion of what you should be dictate who you believe yourself to be." I work in law enforcement, where I'm often the only woman of color in the room. There have been many who looked at me and I thought I didn't belong, or were upset when I secured the promotion they wanted. But my mother taught me to trust in God and never let naysayers deter me from what I know I am capable of doing and being. (Photo: Corinne Mason)

Stefanie Brown James, 35, Cleveland - The best advice my sister, Marcie Knuckles, ever gave me is that when a person shows you — not tells you — who they are, believe them! Actions speak louder than words every time, and you should never dismiss them. And while it's easy to remember that advice when dealing with new people, it's important to apply it when dealing with people who you think you know, too. Hindsight can be a great insight into who someone really is.  (Photo: Stefanie Brown James)

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Stefanie Brown James, 35, Cleveland - The best advice my sister, Marcie Knuckles, ever gave me is that when a person shows you — not tells you — who they are, believe them! Actions speak louder than words every time, and you should never dismiss them. And while it's easy to remember that advice when dealing with new people, it's important to apply it when dealing with people who you think you know, too. Hindsight can be a great insight into who someone really is.  (Photo: Stefanie Brown James)

Shelise Dandridge-Whitted, 35, Chicago - "Let him love you. Let him do for you." Back when my now-husband and I were dating, I told my mom that I was having trouble letting him be nice to me. I was so busy looking for signs that he was falling into the same straps of inconsistency as the men I'd dated before that I couldn't see him for who he really was: a sweetheart. I internalized her advice and I work every day to let go of my need to handle everything myself and follow the man God called me to marry. (Photo: Shelise Dandridge-Whitted)

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Shelise Dandridge-Whitted, 35, Chicago - "Let him love you. Let him do for you." Back when my now-husband and I were dating, I told my mom that I was having trouble letting him be nice to me. I was so busy looking for signs that he was falling into the same straps of inconsistency as the men I'd dated before that I couldn't see him for who he really was: a sweetheart. I internalized her advice and I work every day to let go of my need to handle everything myself and follow the man God called me to marry. (Photo: Shelise Dandridge-Whitted)