If We Don’t Prioritize Us, Then Who Will?

As a Black woman introvert, I find that it's crucial for us to move in a direction where we not only prioritize our needs but also begin creating our own table for Black women and other women of color. Because, let’s be honest, if not us, then who? This is a question that I have really been deeply sitting with, and the answer continues to be us. I have many ideas about what the future possibilities and opportunities look like for us, and I believe that we have so much we can do in order to move forward in creating a community that is supportive of Black women and other women of color who support Black women. Part of my frustration lies in knowing the hard truth that the current climate of society constantly reminds us that they won’t. And, if they wanted to, they would have by now—not just for us, but for other communities and for the future of young girls.

The Importance of Self-Prioritization

Self-prioritization is not a selfish act but a necessary one. It's about recognizing that our well-being, our dreams, and our voices matter. For too long, we have been conditioned to put others' needs above our own, to be the backbone without ever getting the support we deserve. But it's time to change that narrative. We must prioritize our mental health, our ambitions, and our happiness. This shift is essential for our personal growth and the collective progress of our community.

Building Our Own Tables

Creating our own tables means establishing spaces where we are heard, respected, and valued. It’s about building networks, businesses, and organizations that reflect our values and aspirations. We need to support each other in entrepreneurship, in the workplace, and in our personal lives. This can be through mentorship programs, networking events, and collaborative projects. By doing this, we create opportunities for ourselves and future generations, ensuring that young girls see role models who look like them and understand their unique experiences.

Community and Collaboration

A supportive community is vital for our success. We need to create environments where we uplift each other, celebrate each other’s achievements, and provide a shoulder to lean on during tough times. Collaboration is key. By working together, sharing resources, and combining our strengths, we can overcome challenges that seem insurmountable on our own. This collective effort will help us build a stronger, more resilient community.

Addressing Societal Challenges

Society’s current climate often feels like an uphill battle. We face systemic racism, sexism, and countless microaggressions daily. These challenges can be exhausting and demoralizing. However, by acknowledging these issues and working together to combat them, we can create change. This involves advocating for policy changes, supporting Black-owned businesses, and educating others about the struggles we face. It’s a long and difficult journey, but it’s one we must undertake for the sake of our future.

The Role of Entrepreneurship

Entrepreneurship is a powerful tool for creating change. By starting our own businesses, we not only create financial independence for ourselves but also provide jobs and opportunities for others in our community. This can have a ripple effect, empowering more Black women to take control of their economic futures. Entrepreneurship allows us to define our own success and build enterprises that reflect our values and serve our communities.

Overcoming Workplace Challenges

In traditional workplaces, Black women often face unique challenges, from being overlooked for promotions to dealing with workplace discrimination. To overcome these obstacles, we must advocate for ourselves and each other. This means speaking up against injustice, supporting colleagues who face discrimination, and working towards creating inclusive work environments. Additionally, we should seek out companies that value diversity and inclusion and hold them accountable to their commitments.

Supporting Each Other

Support comes in many forms. It can be as simple as a word of encouragement, a shared resource, or an introduction to a valuable contact. We need to be intentional about supporting each other, understanding that our success is interconnected. By lifting each other up, we create a stronger, more unified community.

The Future of Young Girls

Our efforts today are not just for us but for the future of young girls who will follow in our footsteps. They deserve to grow up in a world where they see Black women thriving, leading, and making a difference. By creating spaces where they are valued and supported, we set the foundation for their success. It’s our responsibility to pave the way for them, ensuring they have the opportunities and support they need to achieve their dreams.

Conclusion

If we don’t prioritize us, then who will? This question should drive us to take action, to build the future we envision for ourselves and our community. By prioritizing our needs, creating our own tables, and supporting each other, we can overcome the challenges we face and achieve greatness. The journey is long and often difficult, but together, we are unstoppable. Let's continue to move forward, creating a world where Black women and other women of color are celebrated, supported, and empowered.