Reality TV star and actress Beverly Osu is challenging the traditional narrative of strength among African women, opening up about her desire to embrace her softer side. In a recent interview with Hip TV, Beverly shared insights into her journey of self-acceptance and the unique mindset of her close-knit circle.
“The tribe that I am in, we’re different; we speak the truth to ourselves. The approval we seek is mostly from within, not from the outside world,” she explained, highlighting her preference for self-validation over external praise.
Beverly emphasized that she’s never been one to seek validation from others, saying, “I don’t strive for outside validation. I am my greatest critic, so before I say my work is good, trust me, maybe ten thousand people have been saying it.” She also praised the honesty within her circle, noting, “Where I’m at, there’s no fake zone. We tell ourselves the truth.”
Reflecting on the cultural pressures faced by African women, Beverly acknowledged the expectation to appear strong, even at the cost of their emotional well-being. “As Africans, because of how strong we try to make people believe we are, we’d rather be miserable than vulnerable,” she observed. Despite her reputation for resilience, Beverly expressed a longing for a different perception. “I am a very strong person, but I’m tired of being seen as strong. I just want to be soft and vulnerable. How about that?”
Beverly’s candid reflections resonate with many women who grapple with the societal expectation of unwavering strength, advocating for a space where vulnerability is also celebrated.