The issue of injustice looms large in the hearts and minds of many in the Black community. The death of George Floyd brought back bitter memories for many in the Black community. After all, they often face insurmountable obstacles to success. Nevertheless, this doesn’t mean it is unachievable.
Many Black personalities are a testament to the fact that resilience works. In fact, resilience through trials compels many to achieve success. Despite injustice and discrimination, many Black personalities are making crucial contributions and defining culture.
Throughout history, Black leaders overcame obstacles to achieve professional goals. Let’s look at a few examples.
Resilience
Raised by her grandmother in Kosciusko, Mississippi, Oprah Winfrey’s childhood wasn’t glamorous. Oftentimes, Winfrey watched her grandmother hang clothes to dry as she washed them. She recalls her grandmother telling her that she would have to learn to wash clothes and hang them since this would be her job one day. Nevertheless, in her heart, Winfrey dreamt big; she wasn’t satisfied to do a menial job.
Although she faced several difficulties in life, including poverty and rape, Winfrey didn’t allow her circumstances to define her. She rose through resilience, educated herself, and became one of the most powerful media moguls.
For many Black business leaders, resilience is much more than surviving tough times; it is a rite of passage. Many regard challenges as a test of their resolve, whether it is deflecting microaggressions, maneuvering through a challenging project, or leading others through uncertainty.
Innovative Problem Solving
Many Black leaders have a knack for innovation. Take, for example, Kimberly Bryant and Cristina Jones of Black Girls Code. The non-profit organization empowers young African American girls and youth of colour to learn computer programming to nurture robust careers in technology.
Headquartered in Oakland, California, the organization has more than 2,000 participants, operating in seven States across the US and in Johannesburg, South Africa. Such initiatives are a testament to the fact that Black business leaders are developing solutions for underserved communities, helping them break barriers and giving them a chance to excel and prove themselves in an ever-competitive world.
Adaptability
Several studies indicate that Black people experience higher hiring discrimination, wage gaps, and underrepresentation in leadership roles. Nevertheless, they don’t give up. Throughout history, many powerful Black personalities managed to climb the corporate ladder. Thanks to their ingenuity, persistence, and resilience, they are quick to learn new things and embrace technology, proving that inclusive workspaces still exist, ones in which everyone feels seen and heard.
Community Building
Black communities are notable for their solidarity; in fact, they are among the very few societies that maintain a strong sense of community. Their main inspiration is Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., who used the church as a platform to voice his concerns about the injustices faced by Black people in the United States. Dr. King inspired people to unite in solidarity for justice and racial equality. Today, many follow his example when building teams and networks by supporting each other to achieve collective success.
Creative Communication
Black culture has a strong presence in today’s world, just think, so much of African American culture is based on the contributions of Black people. Take, for example, jazz, blues, hip hop, and gospel. Most of these music genres were created by Black people and have achieved global recognition, not just within the Black community. It’s a given that many Black skills often go unnoticed and underrepresented, but at their core, they are ingenious and engaging, making an indelible mark in industries and professions.
Take a closer look at some of the world’s most popular athletes and musicians, and you will find out that they are people of colour. Examples include Michael Jordan, Jay-Z and Beyoncé, and George Foreman, among many others.
When the going gets tough, looking at such examples of Black talent and resilience can serve as an inspiration. So, don’t wait for opportunities to come your way; grab them when you can, and lean into these strengths and bring them to the forefront of your professional careers!
David Messiha | Staff Writer