Black Women + Girls: Normalize Gatekeeping Your Genius!

Your ideas, your desires, your dreams—in business and in life—are invaluable. As the blueprint for success, Black women and girls are constantly watched, admired, and, unfortunately, exploited. You know the ones I’m talking about: the “haters,” the imitators, those who aspire to be like us while simultaneously seeking to profit from our creativity, intellect, and labor. They want to take from us, to capitalize on our existence, our gifts, and our talents, often without giving us the credit or compensation we deserve. It’s time to normalize putting a premium on your genius, especially when you’re forced to collaborate with those who seek to benefit from your brilliance without reciprocating its true value.

What I’ve come to realize is this: 99.9% of the time, without you—your mind, your presence, your ideas—they cannot move forward. Your genius is the catalyst, the foundation, and the driving force behind their success. So, why give them a “break” or a discount? You are powerful, and your contributions are irreplaceable. There’s no need to justify your worth or bring morality into the equation. It’s simply about what you believe is fair and owed to you. The world already recognizes the immense power and influence of Black women; it’s time for you to claim your rightful share of the benefits. Center yourself in every decision, every negotiation, and every opportunity. In a world that is rapidly changing and often declining in its fairness, we deserve to be better positioned for the future.

The future will demand our ideas, our creativity, and our genius. It’s crucial that we protect our intellectual property and ensure that we’re not freely giving away the very things that make us unique and powerful. We must be vigilant in safeguarding our contributions, whether in business, art, technology, or any other field. The future will require our innovation, and we will be the ones creating new opportunities, building foundations, and designing systems that shape the world to come. We are the architects, the craftswomen, and the visionaries of the future. In other words, don’t sleep on yourself or underestimate your worth.

Black women have always been at the forefront of change, often without recognition or reward. From the civil rights movement to groundbreaking advancements in science, technology, and the arts, our contributions have been pivotal. Yet, too often, our ideas are co-opted, our labor is undervalued, and our voices are silenced. It’s time to break this cycle. By gatekeeping our genius, we ensure that our ideas are not only acknowledged but also compensated fairly. This means setting boundaries, knowing your worth, and refusing to settle for less than you deserve.

Normalize saying no to those who seek to exploit your talents. Normalize charging what you’re worth, even when others try to undervalue you. Normalize walking away from deals and opportunities that don’t align with your values or respect your contributions. Your genius is not a commodity to be taken lightly; it’s a powerful force that deserves to be protected and celebrated. When you gatekeep your genius, you’re not just protecting yourself—you’re setting a standard for future generations of Black women and girls. You’re showing them that their ideas, their dreams, and their talents are valuable and worthy of respect.

As we move forward, let’s continue to uplift and support one another. Collaboration over competition should be our mantra. When we come together, we amplify our collective power and create opportunities that benefit us all. Let’s build networks, share resources, and celebrate each other’s successes. By doing so, we ensure that our genius is not only recognized but also rewarded.

In a world that often tries to diminish our light, it’s up to us to shine even brighter. Gatekeep your genius, protect your ideas, and never forget the power you hold. The future is ours to shape, and with our creativity, resilience, and determination, there’s no limit to what we can achieve. So, stand tall, claim your worth, and continue to build a legacy that honors the brilliance of Black women and girls everywhere. The world needs your genius—don’t let anyone take it from you.