This past year has been a blatant and painful reminder of the systematic injustices that Black men and women have continued to face in this country for more than 400 years. The unforgettable and tragic deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and Ahmaud Arbery are examples of the continuous violence against Blacks in America. It hurts to witness these tragedies month after month. I have engaged in more conversations than ever with my three teens about the racial injustices, systematic racism, and racial profiling that occur day in and day out.
While I sometimes feel helpless in this fight, all of the microaggressions, blatant racism, racial violence, and sexism that we continue to experience have caused me to amplify my voice about the importance of Black people working collaboratively to build community and to support and uplift one another in the midst of these atrocities.
As a Black woman, mother, daughter, sister, aunt, and friend, I feel mentally and emotionally exhausted in the midst of these troubling times. The events that have transpired over the course of this year are more than anyone should have to bear. So now, more than ever, we must support one another.
My own journey to mentorship and collaborative work
My early career shaped me into the professional and leader that I am today. I’ve often been the only woman in the room, usually the only Black person as well. When I was starting out, in most jobs, I was also the youngest, and when I looked for a mentor, I was shunned. I reached out to someone who told me, “Well, we figured it out on our own. Now you have to.”
When I encounter anyone younger than me or someone who just seems lost, I take them by the hand and say, “Hey, I’ll show you the ropes,” because that’s what I wanted.
As I reflect on my matriculation through The Chicago School’s inaugural online Ph.D. program in Organizational Leadership, I am reminded of the familiarity of often being the only Black woman in various spaces. The demographics of the students in the program were representative of this experience—I was one of only three Black women. I was also the youngest. I immediately gravitated toward the other two women because we shared a common perspective and experience.
Midway through the program, I was the only Black woman on track to defend my dissertation within the proposed two-year timeline. I was the “only one” yet again. This was reminiscent of my experience working in leadership roles within the public sector. I was often recommended to participate in committee or working groups where I was the only Black woman. I have always been keenly aware of the obstacles that Black women, like myself, encounter as a result of being the “only one.”
In an effort to change the narrative related to the professional obstacles that Black women experience, I shifted my mindset. I chose to view those obstacles and struggles as motivation and as an opportunity to excel and defy the odds that have been placed before me. I continue to seek opportunities to expand my knowledge and experience and to give and mentor when I can.
After graduating, I became the executive director of the Council on Teacher Education at the University of Illinois at Chicago, where I continue to focus my research on the role of women in academia and organizational institutions that empower and mentor Black women. In early 2019, I published Women Who Persevere: Navigating Motherhood with Power and Grace, which highlights the personal and professional stories of single mothers.
I believe it is my duty to share my experiences and knowledge to help other Black women succeed. As a people, we have persevered for centuries. I wholeheartedly believe that we will continue to persevere as we use our voices and various platforms to lead, inspire, transform, and empower one another.
6 things for Black businesswomen to remember
I believe that to become a successful Black businesswoman you must:
1. Know your worth.
If you don’t value your skills and expertise, you can’t expect someone else to. Don’t be afraid to speak up and inform potential clients or partners about the value that you bring to the table. You shouldn’t feel obligated to say yes to every opportunity. It’s OK to say no if a potential opportunity isn’t right for your brand.
2. Self promote.
Sometimes women are afraid to promote their skills and talent. Black women in particular have been conditioned to believe that they shouldn’t toot their own horn. Don’t hide or dim your light to make others feel good about themselves. The more you share your skills and talents with others, the more others will recognize your value and what you bring to the table.
3. Seek balance.
Work-life balance is critical to your success and longevity. Take time to disconnect and focus on your mental, physical, and spiritual health. Constant work without taking time to relax or rejuvenate will take a toll on your ability to give maximum effort.
4. Know what you want.
Develop and monitor your goals. Create a decisive plan for achieving your goals and maintaining a successful business. When opportunities arise, you will be able to quickly make important decisions that ensure your employees and clients maintain confidence in your ability to lead.
5. Focus on empowerment.
Invest in yourself. Invest in your employees. Provide those who work for you with opportunities to reach new goals. Build relationships and a network that will help you to continue to achieve success.
6. Be a lifelong learner.
Education is the key to freedom and breaks down barriers. Continue to seek opportunities to learn and don’t be afraid to seek new insight.
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