In the spirit of Black History Month, I had the incredible privilege of participating in Yahoo’s “Everybody’s Sister: Thriving Black Women in a Modern World” panel. Alongside some truly remarkable women – Lou Nylander, Karen Charles, Michelle Sarpong, and Elizabeth Anyaegbuna – together we reflected on our collective journey as Black/Mixed Black women.
Our discussion was not just a panel; it was a heartfelt celebration of resilience, strength, and unwavering determination. It was a celebration of the excellence that Black women embody in every facet of life. It was an acknowledgment of our individual and collective triumphs against adversity.
As we spoke about our personal journeys, it became abundantly clear that our unique experiences have been instrumental in shaping the incredible empowered women we’ve become. Each challenge, every obstacle, and all the trials we’ve faced have only served to forge us into stronger, more resilient beings.
Our cultural heritage and racial identities, far from being barriers, have been wellsprings of strength and motivation. These aspects of our identity have given us a sense of purpose and the drive to push forward, even when the world seemed determined to stand in our way. It’s in our DNA to rise above, to break down barriers, and to pave the way for future generations of Black women.
We talked openly about the challenges we’ve encountered, not to dwell on the negative, but to share our victories in overcoming them. We wanted to inspire, to let other Black women know that they too can surmount any obstacle in their path. Our advice wasn’t just words; it was a collective promise that the sky’s the limit for those who dare to dream.
Education and mentorship have been guiding stars in our journeys, lighting our way towards personal and professional success. These resources have not only opened doors for us but have also given us the tools to hold them open for others. We’re not just reaching back; we’re reaching back and pulling forward, creating a chain of support that lifts us all. I gave a my salute to Maria McDowell from Lollipop mentoring for the amazing work she is doing in the industry, shes helping to change lives, including mine.
We proudly recounted the barriers we’ve shattered, not as a boast, but as a testament to what’s possible when we break through those glass ceilings. We recognise that our accomplishments aren’t just for us; they’re paving the way for more Black women to follow in our footsteps.
In a world that often places heavy expectations on Black women, we shared our strategies for self-care. We talked about the importance of prioritising our well-being, of acknowledging that we can’t pour from an empty cup. We are proud to embrace self-care as an act of self-love and self-preservation.
Entrepreneurship has been a path to empowerment for many of us. We don’t just view our ventures as businesses; they’re platforms for change and sources of inspiration for others. We take immense pride in the impact we’ve made, not just for ourselves but for our communities and the generations that will follow.
And, of course, we celebrated the unwavering support of our families and communities. Our pride swells when we think about the love, encouragement, and strength they’ve provided. They’ve been our rocks, our sounding boards, and our cheering squads, and we are grateful beyond words.
As we concluded our panel discussion, one thing became abundantly clear: thriving requires collective effort. The world we aspire to create, one that is more supportive, inclusive, and equitable for Black women, is a world we all need to work towards. It’s a world where every Black woman can realise her dreams and shine as brightly as she deserves.
Together, we can build a world that truly embraces Black excellence, not just during Black History Month, but every day of the year.