Allow Me To Introduce Myself: The Quiet Revolutionary
“To thine own self be true, and it must follow, as the night the day, thou canst not then be false to any man.”- William Shakespeare
In my pursuit for a career, it was extremely important to be myself. It was essential to exude my heritage because my ancestors required me to represent the highest version of my elders. The proclivities of my forefathers were anchored in reverence, rooted in intellectual prowess, and cultivated with exceptional discipline. The mere fact that I accepted the mission was revolutionary! So many of my predecessors stopped short of the requirements to fulfill this purpose; therefore, I had no other choice but to be unequivocally original.
As a person of color, we are indoctrinated in a systematic cultural assimilation; believing that the only requirement of obtaining a fulfilling career is by abandoning your true self. Meanwhile, our culture is being misappropriated daily; yet we are required to relinquish the very principles that were bestowed upon us from our ancestors. Then I am reminded that for people of color our adornments represent pride and it encompasses a rich history that so many fought to protect. Our hair is a symbol of freedom; therefore, to desert my crown would be to renounce my heritage. Now, why would I do that?
When I adorn my head wraps during a casual work day, I am exemplifying courage. When asked a question by my male counterparts that might change the trajectory for another queer woman of color, I implore them earnestly to examine their bias. When given a chance to educate others on the disparities of the gender pay gap, I judiciously state the research. When given an option to lead, I audaciously step up in a way that inspires others to accept more individuals like me. I realize that my duty to hold a space for other queer women of color rest solely upon my character, and that is something I carry with high regard.
As a queer woman of color, I intentionally enter every space with the understanding that as I give honor to my elders, I am writing history for someone like myself. When I accept “any” position, I want other queer women of color to know that I have vetted the space and it is unquestionably safe. So when you see me, you can rest assured that I would never represent an organization that is not fully inclusive. Fully inclusive does not mean employing one person of color in a leadership position, nor does it mean employing one queer person that can assimilate in order to meet a quota. The culture of our organizations should mirror our society, and the mission statement of the company.
To my queer women of color, embrace who you are fully because you belong! Celebrate the intersections that attempt to marginalize you by educating each person that you encounter. Wear your intellect like the most exquisite broach, extend your leadership skills to help others succeed, and when given an option to enrich someone’s life, always be kind. As for me, I will be quietly moving throughout the atmosphere educating the next generation of scholars while creating spaces to elevate the conversations around social injustices. I hope to see you along the way.