Rosa Parks sat so that we could take a stand.
Harriet Tubman ran so that we could walk free.
Martin Luther King died so that we could live in his dream.
It is during this month of February that we celebrate and honor those who have paved the way for us. Black History Month commemorates African American leaders whose powerful voices echo in the lives and hearts of many. Many of these leaders never had the chance to reap the benefits of their sacrifice, but we at LWS want to express our gratitude and pay tribute to those who fought for their rights and ours.
Looking Back To Go Forward
When we remember leaders like Sojourner Truth, Frederick Douglass, Nelson Mandela, and countless others, we remember their courage and grit to fight for a cause bigger than themselves. These leaders continue to serve as beacons of hope for people around the world, and their story empowers us to take our place and make our voices heard.
It is safe to say that we revisit the life stories of these leaders for answers and guidance on our journeys for success and prosperity. But have you ever thought about how different their definition of success would have been from yours? Today, our basic rights would have been considered an untold privilege for someone like Madame C.J. Walker, or Booker T. Washington. A woman as the sole owner of her own business? Not happening. A self-published African American author? Forget about it. But today, the sky is the limit—and it’s all thanks to them.
Black History as it Informs Success Narratives Today
This month, LWS seeks to gain a fresh perspective on how today’s leaders define and achieve their success. To do that, we interviewed three people from very different walks of life. Each of their stories are unique, and these interviews are just a glimpse into the vast world of possibilities in which success is visualized, earned, and manifested.
(LWS): “What does a successful life look like for you?”
(Shelby Boyd—Administrative Medical Professional): “For me, it would be having created a foundation for my children, and my children’s children. Not having gone to college myself, I aim to stay dedicated to my goals, create generational wealth, and leave behind an inspiring legacy.”
(Derek Adams—College Professor): “Being an African-American man, I don’t define my success on the terms of White-American Patriotism. Meritocracy and the “Boot Strap Theory” narrows the definition of success and excludes millions of people of color. To me, a successful life is purpose-driven, interactive, and connects you to the world and those whom inhabit it. No two people’s success stories are the same, but there are common threads in each of their journeys. Black History Month’s framework for success argues that true success comes from having the agency to embrace who you are and have others accept that, that is my goal every day.”
(Danaya Dews—College Student): “It’s always important to set goals and accomplish them, keep on your toes and always be looking for the next thing. It’s just as important to have made in difference in the lives of others around you before leaving this world.”
(LWS): “Whether they be well-known or not, what leaders have inspired you on your path to success and why?”
(Shelby Boyd—Administrative Medical Professional): “My success is owed to god—he has seen me through, he knows my heart, and he provides the good in my life. My mother is also an inspiration to me because she worked all the way up until she couldn’t. Every day of my life I try my best to follow in her footsteps and instill that same work ethic in my two youngest sons.”
(Derek Adams—College Professor): “Well, it takes a village. Several mentors whom I’ve met in my life loved me and taught me how to love myself. Audrey Lorde, Toni Morrison, and Roxane Gay helped me embrace feminism and allowed me measures of success I never knew I wanted or could have. Also, a series of teachers and college professors taught me that success was pushing myself beyond what I could already do and gave me the support to do what I never thought I could.”
(Danaya Dews—College Student): “I’m big on history, especially Black history. All Black leaders who made an impact and changed history shape the narrative of my success. They paved the way for me and their stories help guide my decisions to be the best leader I can be.”
(LWS): If you could go back in time and give yourself one piece of advice, what would it be?”
(Shelby Boyd—Administrative Medical Professional): “Put yourself first, you’re worth more than you know. A man and a family will come, focus on your education and your money. You’ve got to take care of you.”
(Derek Adams—College Professor): “One piece of advice that I would give to myself is not to be so guarded. Self-preservation is important, but you end up bypassing opportunities and creating barriers to your own success. Sometimes you just have to let go of some things.”
(Danaya Dews—College Student): “I would tell myself not to worry about fitting in and to focus more on my goals and morals. Stop looking for validation in the approval of others who don’t have life figured out for themselves. Also, cut back on social media and spend more time reading and working to better myself.”
History in the Making
No two success narratives are the same, and that is why LWS welcomes and encourages the chance to highlight real-life testimonies such as these. Self-reflection is important year-round, not just during Black History Month. But, it is especially important to think about what leaders, literature, and experiences have shaped your view of success and have given you the courage to go after the things that mean the most to you. That is why LWS sends you with these three tools for success:
- Learn your history. It is important to know where you came from to figure out where you want to end up, and to honor the lives of those who fought for equity.
- Use your voice. Take advantage of your platform no matter how big or small.
- Pay it forward. Always be on the lookout for ways to make a difference and be a part of social change.
After reading these success narratives, how will you use your knowledge of leadership in history to rewrite your own?
Taury is a Culture & Communication Studies Major with a Minor in Education at Ithaca College, where she is also a scholar in the BOLD Women’s Leadership Network. She is also a Social Media & Marketing Intern for LifeWorkSource and a Peer Career Advisor for Ithaca College’s Career Services office.
