“There’s no normal to return to, there’s only what we do next.” When I heard Tad Stoermer say these words on a recent IG video, I stopped in my tracks. In the video he goes on to say that when we tell folks to stay calm and trust the system, we’re adjusting to what’s wrong instead of fighting for something better. When I thought about my professional and personal networks of Black women, I thought about how this statement is playing out for us. Here’s what I’m seeing:
Black women are organizing other Black women – this is not the season of Black women putting their lives and careers on the line to save democracies or workplaces. Our work in this moment is to make sure our communities and networks have what they need to survive the challenges that lay ahead.
Black women are taking care of themselves and other Black women – where this is working out, finding a new therapist, or saying no to overworking and producing. For the first time in a long time, I see across my networks, Black women prioritizing their wellbeing like never before.
Black women are getting their financial houses in order – we’re paying off debt, building new streams of income, and doing our best to find ways to make up for decades of under-earning. This has also meant spending time to better understand how money works and how to make it work for us.
Black women are leading with boundaries. The idea that we will continue to be the mammies of the workplace is no more. We’re making sure to CYA and hold folks accountable to the policies on the books in our organizations. I won’t say too much about how I see this playing out because IYKYK that this is our Celie moment where we’re saying no more.
Black women are preparing for the future of work. They’re signing up for coaching. Applying for leadership programs and fellowships. They’re looking for roles that will honor their skills and expertise in environments with healthy cultures. To that end, aren’t making big moves right now. They’re staying put and watching to see where organizations will land and stand after the first year of this current administration. Think: very mindful and demure.
I don’t know how long this season will last. I do know the way I’m moving as a leader right now is with intentionality and deep care for my sister circle. So my question to you is: what’s next for you in your leadership? Are you hoping to go back to the ‘good old days’ or are you working to build something new?
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