Celebrating Black Excellence in Leadership: A Reflection on my HBCU Experience
February is a month dedicated to honoring and celebrating the rich history, accomplishments and contributions of African Americans. Black History Month provides us with an opportunity to reflect upon the struggles, triumphs and exceptional achievements of Black individuals who have shaped our world. This year, we want to spotlight a particular aspect of Black excellence: leadership.
Black leaders have emerged throughout history in various fields, breaking down barriers, shattering glass ceilings and paving the way for future generations. From civil rights activists to entrepreneurs, artists, scientists and political figures, their contributions have made an indelible impact on our society.
During my time as an advancement professional at Tuskegee University, I had the privilege of meeting inspiring leaders who epitomize Black excellence in leadership. Although I was relatively new in my career, I didn't initially realize the significance of my lunch with Amelia Boynton Robinson, her unwavering dedication to the fight for voting rights, her instrumental role in the Selma to Montgomery marches and her lasting impact on the Civil Rights Movement. Her courage and resilience continue to inspire individuals around the world to stand up against injustice and actively participate in democracy. This encounter emphasized the importance of my role and the work I was doing for many students who shared my background, as well as those who didn't.
Throughout my remaining years there, I had the pleasure of meeting several leaders who were important to the fabric of Black excellence such as Dr. Marvalene Hughes, the first female president of Dillard University who played a pivotal role in shaping Dillard’s advancement in higher education and Dr. Michael Lomax, the president and CEO of the United Negro College Fund (UNCF). During Dr. Hughes’ tenure, she prioritized student success and academic excellence, implementing initiatives to enhance retention and graduation rates. Dr. Hughes also focused on building strong community partnerships and expanding resources for the institution. Her leadership at Dillard University exemplified a commitment to advancing the educational experience for students and fostering growth and progress within the university's community. Dr. Lomax championed the importance of investing in historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) and has been a vocal advocate for expanding access to higher education for underrepresented communities. His efforts have had a direct impact on increasing college enrollment and graduation rates for Black students. Coincidently, one of the founders of UNCF was then Tuskegee University President Frederick Patterson.
When Bryant Group offered me the opportunity to obtain my certified diversity recruiter certification, I eagerly embraced it. I saw it as a culmination of my diverse experiences in advancement, particularly the more than 10 years spent at an HBCU. I anxiously wanted to begin this next step in my journey connecting diverse advancement leaders to the opportunities that aligned with their passion and commitment for excellence.
As part of Bryant Group’s commitment to honor and promote diversity in leadership, we want to shine a light on the accomplishments of these extraordinary individuals and explore the ways in which their leadership has influenced and propelled new business development. Through their innovative approaches, strategic thinking and commitment to inclusion, Black leaders have not only achieved personal success but have also driven growth and created opportunities for others and myself.
Just as Tuskegee University's enduring legacy has shown the transformative power of diverse leadership in fostering innovation and growth, I believe that by embracing diversity and cultivating a culture of inclusion within our firm, we have the opportunity to develop our own legacy of innovation, growth and excellence that will propel us forward as a leader in our industry.
Let us take this opportunity to reflect upon and rejoice in the remarkable stories of Black excellence in leadership, cherishing the legacies they have built and ensuring their accomplishments continue to inspire us all. Together, we can honor the past, celebrate the present and shape a better future built upon the principles of inclusivity, respect and equality.
