A Black Girl Thriving In Trump’s America: 5 Ted Talks To Transform How You Think About Success And Purpose
Women in transition. This is something super-relevant right now—in this Trump-led alter ego episode of “The Twilight Zone” we’re all part of— all around the world. And many have very polarizing feelings about the person elected to lead the great US-of-A. I’m seeing a lot of panic, anger, frustration, and indifference, especially from my fellow ambitious, talented, and powerful Black women.
I’m one, as a Black woman, to think about how my Granny, at 94, has been through nine decades, dozens of presidents, the Great Depression, Jim Crow laws of the ‘40s, ‘50s, and ‘60s, the revolution that was indeed televised in the 1970s, the Reagan-Crack Era of the 1980s. The Black power-woman era of the 90s, the digital evolution of the early aughts, to where we are today.
She’s a Black woman who raised five children, never worked a six-figure job, didn’t go to college, and always dressed to the nines. As I cried on the phone with her (for the umpteenth time) about my career and my future, she had the same response she’s always had: “You will find your way. Stay strong, be cool, and do what you have to do. You can always come HOME.” At 94, my Granny’s resolve has never changed. EVER.
I then watched the following video by Alecia Renece The Artist, and it totally reinforced exactly what my Granny (and my mom) have been saying to me for years. I often need these confirmations and re-affirmations to hop out of a warped view of feeling “behind,” “stuck” or "not enough.”
Alecia Renece The Artists shares authentic, logical and affirming insights on growth, pressure, and timing.
So, no, I won’t be defeated by circumstances. Raised by a Granny like that and an even more fabulous mom (who was still in her teens with her first-born, dropped out of college, had two more kids, survived with us through the ‘80s and ‘90s and two divorces only to earn a bachelor’s, master’s, and climb the ladder in government service), I can’t sit and dwell on what’s wrong about the world. I can acknowledge, let out a few tears, pivot, and continue to learn the lessons God is teaching in my human condition.
With that being said, here are five Ted Talks by women who have strived to do the same: to be authentically themselves, to keep pushing forward despite any governmental, professional, or personal shifts, transitions, disasters, and disappointments. Add these to a new YouTube Playlist called “Black Girl Thriving In Trump’s America.” You’re welcome, sis. (And no, they’re not all Black women speaking. Because why? We can all learn from each other and the allies can pour into you as well.)
The Magic of Not Giving A F***
by Sarah Knight, Author And Speaker
Sarah talks about taking a leap of faith after leaving her corporate job in publishing and how she’d worked her way up only to walk away. It resonates with many aspects of my own career journey, and her rawness and authentic use of words that others might scoff about makes me love her even more.
Get Comfortable With Being Uncomfortable
by Luvvie Ajayi Jones, Entrepreneur & Author
I’ve been a huge supporter and follower of Luuvie’s career since she launched the Red Pump Project more than a decade ago. She has continued to evolve and find ways to not only be her authentic self but make a good living doing that, all while still serving. Plus, I always love my Nigerian sistas. Their values and way of approaching life always resonate with me.
How To Discover Your Authentic Self At Any Age
by Bevy Smith, Author, Actress & Speaker
Bevy has been My Favorite Fairy God-Auntie throughout my career. (I even wrote about her early in my career with Black Enterprise, then met her later at a BE event. ) She is someone who was always in the room during my career working up the ladder in New York’s media scene, especially among Black media powerhouses. Her story of how her career path wasn’t a traditional one is empowering and will remind you of the benefits of always embracing who you really are and how that looks when you take up certain spaces.
A 3-Step Guide To Believing In Yourself
by Sheryl Lee Ralph, Activist & Actress
I interviewed Sheryl more than 10 years ago and walked into the room dumbfounded as a fan of her work on Broadway and her depiction of Brandy’s mom on “Moesha.” Somehow that interview got lost with corroded files at the time, and I was devastated. She is still the most profoundly down-to-earth and powerfully authentic person I’ve ever met and remains one of the best multiple-comeback stories of our time. She’s also Jamaican, another culture of people who are kindred spirits for me. It is in my blood and dear to my soul.
The Danger Of A Single Story
by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Author & Lecturer
One of the most iconic writers ever, there is nothing I don’t love about anything Chimamanda says. And its ironic that this Ted Talk happened 15 years ago and talks about issues with stereotypes, immigration, government and cultural perceptions still relevant today. She’s speaking from a perspective about books and stories but I also think this applies to the stories we create for ourselves, our careers, and our impact on the world.
I hope these Ted Talks will spark your own exploration into resources that will empower you to thrive despite the challenges of today, to continue to serve, to take a step back and hone into who you are, and to look to God (the TRUE leader of our nation) to find peace and purpose.
xo Janell
