I’m stopping in with a Black History Month reminder that “exposure” does not pay the bills, does not close massive generational wealth gaps, and cannot cover payroll in under-supported POC-led organizations.
I have been invited to be a speaker at several large organizations over the last month and nearly all have expected me to speak without having to pay me and/or make a donation to my nonprofit organization. Many make the false assumption that “exposure” is a fair exchange for the talent, ideas, and inspiration POC speakers bring to their organizations.
In this week’s newsletter, I’ve shared some resources and ideas that can move our organizations from talking about Black history to supporting and cultivating the many under-the-radar leaders who are poised to make history.
I’m also hoping you’ll join The Proximity Project for these exciting conversations:
- “What True Representation Looks Like in Healthcare” (February 23rd at 12 pm EST) featuring medical student and medical illustrator Chidiebere Ibe (as seen on CNN) and Marshala Lee, MD, MPH.
- “What we wish was taught in school about Black history” (February 24th at 4pm EST)
What I’m on my soapbox about this week – In my nonprofit work, I have come across so many well-intentioned individuals and companies interested in getting involved that ask: “what else do you need besides money?”
Companies want their employees to mentor or tutor your students. They want to give you used computers or furniture. They want to bring you to an event where their employees give you pro-bono advice. They want a highly-visible one-time opportunity to show up and roll up their sleeves.
But grassroots POC-led organizations really really need money.
One study found that the “unrestricted net assets of the Black-led organizations are 76 percent smaller than their white-led counterparts.
I’ve felt the stress of having $1,000 in the bank with a $20,000 payroll expected to be processed the next week. It took actual money to turn things around.
So let’s push our organizations and ourselves to do substantially better by the leaders and creators who are asked to do so much more with less.
Best resource I’ve come across recently— I came across these a few years ago but I share these regularly for anyone planning an event or booking speakers. These provide excellent recommendations for infusing equity and inclusion into your planning process. Conference Planning Checklist and Tatiana Mac’s Speaker Rider.
What I’m reading/watching/listening to— Tara Jaye Frank’s post and follow up video about “Glass Cliff assignments” should be required reading/watching. She writes that “a ‘glass cliff’ assignment is one in which a Black leader gets promoted into a role that company leaders do not expect to succeed long-term and that requires borderline heroics.”
What’s inspiring me right now— It feels like it was only yesterday that I was helping TeenSHARP alumna Alphina Kamara prepare to deliver this TEDx talk during high school. Now, she’s about to graduate from Wesleyan University in a few months and is on the job market! If you know of great roles in the social impact, policy, or entrepreneurship/startup space, please connect with her! She has interned on my team and is an absolute rock star. TeenSHARP alumna Miracle Olatunji is about to graduate from Northeastern and she is an inspiring speaker if you’re looking for that also!
One request for my network – Please join us and spread the word about our upcoming events: “What True Representation Looks Like in Healthcare” (February 23rd at 12 pm EST) and “What we wish was taught in school about Black history” (February 24th at 4pm EST). We also have upcoming cohorts of The Proximity Project focused on the education sector, healthcare sector, and business/nonprofit sector. Please join if you’re interested and help us spread the word!
Regards,
Atnre
