Stay the Course: Remember Why You Started

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By: Jamila Gomez

Life has a funny way of testing you when you’re chasing a dream. That passion that once lit a fire in your soul can sometimes feel like a burden when challenges come knocking. The excitement you had when you started can fade under the weight of doubt, exhaustion, and the pressure to make things happen—especially in a world where Black excellence is expected to be twice as good just to be considered enough.

But let’s pause for a second.

Think back to why you started. What was the vision that kept you up at night? What was the dream that made you step out in faith, despite the odds? That fire you felt in the beginning is still there—it’s just waiting for you to fan the flames again.

The Weight of the Journey

Let’s be real: sometimes the journey is heavier than expected. Maybe you launched your business, but the sales aren’t rolling in the way you hoped. Maybe you started school, but the workload is pushing you to your limit. Maybe you set out to create change in your community, but the resistance has you wondering if it’s even worth it.

We’ve all been there.

The pressure, the setbacks, the moments of doubt—it’s easy to lose sight of the original vision when you’re knee-deep in the process. But don’t let temporary obstacles make you forget the long-term goal. You didn’t start just to quit.

Reconnect with Your “Why”

When the road gets tough, it’s time to ground yourself in your “why.”

• Remember who you’re doing it for. Is it for the little kid who looks up to you? The ancestors who paved the way? The future generations who deserve to see what’s possible?

• Revisit the passion. What made you excited in the first place? Sometimes, stepping away from the grind to reflect can reignite that passion.

• Acknowledge your progress. You may not be where you want to be yet, but you’re not where you started either. Celebrate the wins, no matter how small.

Keep Going—Your Future Self is Counting on You

Success isn’t about avoiding obstacles—it’s about pushing through them. Every great Black entrepreneur, artist, activist, and leader we admire had moments where they wanted to quit. But they didn’t. They kept showing up, pushing forward, and staying the course.

And now it’s your turn.

So take a deep breath, straighten your crown, and remind yourself: You are capable. You are worthy. And you didn’t come this far just to come this far. Keep going.

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Honoring Ourselves: Celebrating Black History in 2025 and Beyond

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By: Jamila Gomez

In the face of ongoing efforts to erase Black history from textbooks, public discourse, and policy, it is more important than ever for Black people to actively celebrate themselves—not just in February, but every single day. Black history is American history, and despite the challenges posed by the current political climate, we must continue to uplift our stories, honor our ancestors, and celebrate our contributions to society. Here’s how we can do just that in 2025 and for the next four years.

1. Control the Narrative

If they won’t teach our history, we will. Invest time in learning and sharing Black history through books, documentaries, podcasts, and oral storytelling. Read works by Black scholars like Carter G. Woodson, bell hooks, and Ibram X. Kendi. Start community book clubs or host teach-ins at churches, barbershops, and online spaces to educate one another.

2. Support Black-Owned Businesses

Economic empowerment is a revolutionary act. Make a conscious effort to support Black entrepreneurs, from restaurants and bookstores to fashion designers and tech startups. Apps like WeBuyBlack and Official Black Wall Street can help you find businesses that deserve your dollars.

3. Elevate Black Art and Culture

From the Harlem Renaissance to Afrofuturism, Black artistry has always been a vehicle for resistance and joy. Attend Black theater productions, concerts, and museum exhibits. Share and celebrate Black literature, film, and music on social media. Even hosting a movie night with films like The Woman King, Black Panther, or Selma is a way to affirm our stories.

4. Get Politically Engaged

Attempts to erase Black history are deeply tied to efforts to suppress Black political power. Stay informed about policies that affect Black communities and vote in every election. Support grassroots organizations fighting for racial justice, and consider running for local office or joining advocacy groups that challenge harmful policies.

5. Prioritize Black Mental Health and Wellness

Resistance is exhausting, but self-care is revolutionary. Whether it’s therapy, yoga, meditation, or simply resting without guilt, taking care of yourself is vital. Follow Black wellness advocates and engage in practices that nourish your body and mind.

6. Teach the Next Generation

If they’re trying to keep Black history out of schools, we must ensure our children still learn it. Create home libraries filled with Black literature, enroll them in programs like Freedom Schools, and teach them about their heritage with pride.

7. Celebrate Each Other Daily

Black joy is resistance. Celebrate birthdays, achievements, and everyday moments with intentional love. Show appreciation for the people in your life, mentor young Black professionals, and support one another unapologetically.

No matter how hard they try to erase us, we are still here—thriving, creating, and shaping the future. Black History Month is every day, and our celebration is a testament to our resilience and power.

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Black and Brilliant: Overcoming the Imposter Within

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By: Jamila Gomez

Imposter syndrome, a psychological phenomenon where individuals doubt their accomplishments and fear being exposed as frauds, is pervasive across many demographics. However, it manifests uniquely and with particular intensity in the Black community, driven by systemic inequities, cultural expectations, and historical marginalization.

For Black professionals and individuals navigating predominantly white spaces, imposter syndrome is often exacerbated by the pressures of racial stereotypes and a constant need to prove their worth. From academia to corporate boardrooms, Black individuals frequently feel the unspoken burden of representing their race in environments where they may be one of the few—or the only—Black person present. This hyper-visibility amplifies self-doubt, as any perceived mistake or shortcoming risks reinforcing negative stereotypes rather than being seen as individual human error.

The roots of imposter syndrome in the Black community are deeply entwined with systemic racism. Historically, Black Americans have faced persistent barriers to education, employment, and wealth accumulation. These inequities contribute to an internalized narrative that success is a fragile anomaly rather than a rightful achievement. Even when Black individuals excel, societal biases can overshadow their accomplishments. Microaggressions, such as being told, “You’re so articulate,” or being mistaken for a less senior role, subtly undermine confidence and reinforce feelings of not belonging.

Additionally, the concept of “Black excellence”—while empowering—can contribute to imposter syndrome. The pressure to excel and exceed expectations as a means of combating stereotypes often leads to overwork and burnout. For some, the constant pursuit of perfection fuels an internal voice that insists their success is merely a façade, sustained only by extraordinary effort and luck rather than competence and merit.

Family and community dynamics can also influence imposter syndrome. Many Black individuals are the first in their families to achieve higher education or enter prestigious professions. While these achievements are celebrated, they often come with a sense of isolation and guilt, as well as the pressure to pave the way for others. The weight of generational expectations, coupled with the external challenges of systemic racism, can foster a sense of inadequacy and fear of failure.

Addressing imposter syndrome in the Black community requires a multifaceted approach. On a personal level, cultivating self-awareness and seeking therapy can help individuals reframe their internal narratives. On a broader scale, workplaces and institutions must actively create environments where Black individuals feel seen, valued, and supported. This includes implementing mentorship programs, addressing implicit biases, and fostering diversity at all levels of leadership.

Recognizing the structural roots of imposter syndrome in the Black community is essential. Only through systemic change and collective support can we dismantle the barriers that perpetuate self-doubt and empower individuals to fully embrace their worth.

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