Representation Matters

Today I participated in the first day of a public health related conference. The conference kicked off its first day featuring a panel of dynamic Black women discussing the historical context of structural racism, America’s role in systemic racism, and some solutions to begin the work to uproot racist ideologies and practices in our various spheres of influence. The women featured on this panel discussion possess enough education and experience to shift an entire generation. As I listened and absorbed their knowledge, I was overcome by immense joy! Seeing these forces of nature in action set something ablaze in me. It was as if my heart could not contain the emotion that was coursing through my veins as tears of joy filled my eyes.

Over the course of my 15 year public health career, this was the first time that I had been in the company of so much prolific Black Girl Magic at one isolated time in any public health related forum! Watching and listening to these women reminded me of what I have yet to achieve, what I am capable of, and who I am destined to become. Listening to these women mingle their personal stories and motivations into the heartbeat of their work confirmed in me how much more work there is for me to do! I have limited my own abilities and reach for fear of being misunderstood, overlooked, and stifled. For so long, my energy has been sapped dry because of the professional hills I’ve had to climb to get to where I am now. Today provided a reminiscent glimpse into the reality that marrying occupation with personal purpose is both attainable and achievable.

As of late, I have been on a personal journey of uncovering the passions and talents that I have deeply buried or put to the side. When I watched those women speak today, I realized that my work is far from done. There are people I must see, new places I must go, new adventures to seize, new skills to master, and countless souls to touch. I have spent the last 15 years waiting for others to validate me professionally despite the many traumas I experienced as a Black woman matriculating through her career. There were many occasions where I was forced to learn and grow, minus the grace and safety, to explore or make mistakes along the journey. As a young girl, I was conditioned to work twice as hard to get half of much because nothing would be given to me. As a woman in my early twenties, I was forewarned by mentors and elders of the obstacles that I would overcome along the way. As I reflect as a somewhat seasoned public health professional, those words of wisdom and life lessons were quite prophetic. They were laced with a hidden endurance to last me a lifetime of ebbs and flows. Thinking about the day’s experiences, I must conclude that representation matters. When you see others that look like yourself in places of influence and leadership, the fire within burns brighter and the energy to keep pushing is renewed.

This is not one of my typical commentaries on the latest developments in the fight for racial justice, health equity, or social change. This is a personal letter to me and anyone else that has felt like a caged bird singing out for freedom; yet ready to fly and claim the entire sky. My heart seeks after so much more than I can articulate in this moment, but the beauty of dreaming is that there are no boundaries. Keep dreaming, keep learning, keep growing, keep singing, keep speaking, keep writing, keep moving, keep blazing trails, keep charting new territory, keep speaking truth to power, and keep inspiring.

Lastly, keep moving until your passion meets purpose and be the change you want to see! Below, I will leave you with one of many poetic gems from Dr. Maya Angelou, “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings“.

The free bird leaps
on the back of the wind
and floats downstream
till the current ends
and dips his wings
in the orange sun rays
and dares to claim the sky.

But a bird that stalks
down his narrow cage
can seldom see through
his bars of rage
his wings are clipped and
his feet are tied
so he opens his throat to sing.

The caged bird sings
with fearful trill
of the things unknown
but longed for still
and his tune is heard
on the distant hill for the caged bird
sings of freedom

The free bird thinks of another breeze
and the trade winds soft through the sighing trees
and the fat worms waiting on a dawn-bright lawn
and he names the sky his own.

But a caged bird stands on the grave of dreams
his shadow shouts on a nightmare scream
his wings are clipped and his feet are tied
so he opens his throat to sing

The caged bird sings
with a fearful trill
of things unknown
but longed for still
and his tune is heard
on the distant hill
for the caged bird
sings of freedom.