Re: “We need women of color to lead. Here’s why some may choose not to,” March 3, Naomi Ishisaka: Ladies of coloration search management positions totally conscious of exterior obstacles: Sexism, gatekeeping, identification skepticism and extra. What’s not totally anticipated is the unstated resistance that comes from inside. Neither loud nor apparent, however nonetheless actual and maybe probably the most undermining.
Quiet resistance is actual, not from the opposition, however from those that say they need extra girls of coloration in management, but hesitate to supply actual help when one among us dares to rise. Ego, insecurity, shortage mindset, no matter “it” is, is costing us. When girls of coloration maintain one another again, silently or overtly, all of us lose.
Can we transfer past performative solidarity and step into lively sisterhood? Can we rise collectively, not quietly hope somebody stumbles due to unstated rivalry? We don’t need to agree on all the pieces. We are able to nonetheless present up for each other.
The objective is extra girls of coloration in positions of energy. To get there, we should confront the unstated. By selecting solidarity over ego, motion over silence, and braveness over worry, we unlock the potential to construct a future the place younger girls of coloration see risk, not boundaries and the place management displays the complete brilliance of our communities.
Takayo Minakami Ederer, Seattle
