The Way Forward Is Together: Reimagining Success for Black Women

To move forward, we must first look back—with clarity, intention, and wisdom. Our past holds more than pain; it holds patterns, lessons, and undeniable truths. As Black women, it is essential that we study those patterns not just to reflect but to respond. The events of the past should become our stepping stones—not stumbling blocks. They offer the blueprint for building a future where Black women and girls are not just surviving but thriving.

We cannot afford to believe the lie that only one of us can win. It can’t be “just one.” It must be all of us. Our liberation, safety, and success are collective. The way we come together, the way we build community, and the way we lay a foundation for the next generation—it matters deeply. We are not meant to walk this journey alone. The strength, power, and genius of Black women lies in our ability to gather, unite, and move with intention toward a greater vision.

Why Individual Success Isn’t Enough Anymore

This is about more than entrepreneurship or another surface-level success story. This is about the preservation and protection of Black women and girls—our humanity, our healing, and our future. True success cannot be measured by how far one of us can go alone, especially if the majority of us are still struggling. When I think about the traditional idea of “making it,” I have to ask myself: at what cost? Who is left behind in the process?

I’ve come to realize that success as it has been defined by mainstream systems is often illusionary. It praises individual gain while ignoring communal loss. But what kind of “win” is it if I’m the only one at the table? I don’t want that. I want a life that reflects shared wins, collective progress, and sisterhood. I want to grow in purpose and prosperity with other like-minded Black women who are also doing the work, healing, dreaming, and building.

We must move beyond self-serving models. We must reject the scarcity mindset that tells us only one of us can thrive at a time. That mentality has no place in the new world we’re creating. We must instead choose to tap into our individual power and align that power with purpose—a purpose that includes and uplifts others.

This isn’t just about business. This is about rebuilding systems, reclaiming our narratives, and reshaping the world for those who come after us. It’s about anchoring in our truth and using our voices, our visions, and our values to lead the way.

The way forward is together.