In Touch With Black Women Of Excellence
By Betty Miller Buttram
FWIS Contributing Writer
The month of March is the time when women are honored around the globe for their accomplishments to world. These hard-earned achievements are recognized throughout the year; but understandable, it is good to give Women’s History its special recognition during the month of March. Women have come far, as the saying goes, but we still have far to go.
When I reflect on this month, I think of all those known and unknown Black women heroes whose shoulders we stand on. When I think of this month, my mind goes back to the Civil Rights Movement and the freedom songs that gave black people the power to “Let Nobody Turn Us Around.” In keeping the thoughts of that freedom song in my mind, I would say that it was playing on my conscious on Wednesday, February 22, 2023, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the main Allen County Public Library for a Celebration of Black Women of Excellence.
Sitting in one of the meeting rooms at a long table, the panelists were Councilwoman Michelle Chambers; County Councilwoman Sheila Curry-Campbell; Councilwoman Sharon Tucker; and Teri Ferguson, Owner of Star Care Services. The Panel Moderator was Ariella Brandy, President of the Indiana Young Democrats. Brandy presented the panelists with seven questions:
(1) What does it mean to be a Black woman?
(2) How do you adapt to the work environment as a black woman?
(3) How can we teach the value of the Black Woman today?
(4) What improvements can we make as a political party when it comes to serving blacks?
(5) How are we creating Black historical moments to share?
(6) What do you do to maintain self-care?
(7) What advice would you provide to your younger self?
Question #1 was a thought provoking one that led to conversation that centered around accomplishments, advice to other black women, and empowerment. Here is a summary of each of the panelists’ responses to the six remaining questions:
CHAMBERS: In adapting to the work environment, understand who you are; be yourself; and be prepared when you are ready to present. To be valued, you must be intentional; understand our power as women; understand your purpose; understand your platform and let your work speak for itself. An improvement that can be made is to set up an environment to pass the baton. I am the first generation to get a college degree and have set an example of getting an education for my siblings creating a historical moment. As for self-care, Sunday is the day I try to quiet my mind. The advice to my younger self: You are a kind and beautiful child.
CURRY-CAMPBELL: I have been the token one in my work environments all my life. I had to teach myself how to treat others. I am a fact checker. To teach the value of a Black woman is to connect with like-minded people. For improvement as a political party, create space, have a mentor, and have a purpose. I am a grassroots organizer which I am passionate about; I also help with church and the environment. As for self-care, pick your battles and I will do all I can as long as I can help everyone. My younger self is all gone; peace be still.
TUCKER: In the work environment, everything has a season and a time; be able to find your central self. The Black woman’s value in today’s society is to stop expecting that certain individuals will open the door for you; open your own door; don’t sit back and wait for permission, and adapt to rapid changes. Your work and actions will speak for you. As for self-care, I am a worker and I don’t know how to stop; it’s a natural role. Family time is my downtime. My advice to my younger self: Do not worry about how you look, the right outfit, the right words. You are enough and take what you have and use it.
FERGUSON: In the work environment, do not be afraid to break new boundaries, to evolve and grow. We face micro-aggressions daily, but it is how we respond to it. You cannot be limited by barriers. The value of the Black woman today is to function with integrity. There is a gap in the resources and everyone deserves a standard of living to be valued. You need to heal the people to get them back on their feet with purpose, intent, and integrity. For the historical moments just remind yourself that every day is a day of opportunity. Working on self-care requires 24-hour access. I try to balance work and family. My advice to my younger self is to be more of a leader. I did not know my purpose in my younger life.
These four women have more than one purpose. They are where they are now at this stage in their lives. They pursued their goals and still are reaching higher. They have more on their own agenda to do. They are full of courage, confidence, and intent, and will not “Let No Body Turned Them Around.”