2020… geesh.
To say that this year has taken us for a helluva ride thus far, would be an understatement. From the way the coronavirus laid bare the inequities between Blacks and whites, to the recent uprisings for racial justice in various cities behind the assassination of George Floyd and other Black lives. It’s a revolutionary time for the country and the culture.
This moment is also bringing light and recognition to Black entrepreneurship and creatives like never before. In record numbers, our stories are circulating the globe with round-ups of Black brands being shared almost daily, in hopes of driving dollars and awareness to our communities. As a matter of fact, we’ve garnered SO much attention that it’s only fair to explore whether these “eyes of support” are currently looking at us in acceptance or deception.
But that’s another point for another day.
A conversation that is not happening is how Black entrepreneurs and creatives should be preparing themselves for this new wave of support. Prior to the “pandemic formally known as COVID” hitting us back in March, a lot of our businesses were sitting on the front seat of the “struggle bus,” anticipating the next stop so we could get off. Customer service issues, lack of resources, funding woes, and negative stereotypes were just some of the issues that we were facing before the global pandemic emerged. The pandemic also shed light on who was ahead of the game and who was not. Some Black businesses grappled with transitioning to digital spaces thus causing more frustration, and in worse cases, termination.
Now the question arises, how do Black creatives adapt and find their rhythm in this new space? There are millions of answers to that loaded question, but here are 3 quick ways to get started.
Commiserate
Before we can do or be anything to anybody else, we must first take a moment to check-in with each other. It’s a challenge to navigate a system that is not meant for us to win, but to do so as a Black creative lends itself to a whole different level of complexity. With that, have you truly taken a moment to sit and feel all of what’s happening around you? How are you venting or releasing your frustrations? Are you leveraging your networks or “tribe” to hold space, heal, and deal? Also, are you creating opportunities to listen to the needs and feelings of others during this time?
As Black creatives, producing in discord is nothing new to us, as we have been expressing ourselves through disarray for centuries. However, this current position is hitting us way differently. Weekly check-ins, hard conversations, vent sessions, and a space for a little encouragement for you and your tribe will go a long way when trying to navigate the emotions that are attached to this calamity. Show up as your best self for your craft, and community, by utilizing this moment as an opportunity to put wellness and well-being at the center of your influence.
Communicate
Though self-care is a very important piece of this puzzle, there’s something that’s even more valuable- your voice. In other words, it’s time to talk your sh*t.
Amplifying your voice and the voices of others is clutch in this moment because for the first time, in a long time, you have the attention of the world. There are people who are legit sitting and waiting to see how Black creatives respond to what’s happening. You have the power to use your art and influence to educate, empower and edify, while making a human connection.
You can also extend this idea to brands and organizations. Update your media kit and professional bio to include statements about your platform’s mission, and how you’re using your art or business to create impact.
You can even take it a step further and ask interested brands about their company views and mission. With everyone showing their “solidarity” these days, it shouldn’t be a problem with you doing a deep dive into who is on their leadership team, head of their diversity department, or overseeing their marketing staff. Right?
Collaborate
Can we keep it a buck for a minute? There have been opportunities that we haven’t taken full advantage of when it comes to serving our own communities.
Systemic marginalization and discrimination sometimes set the stage for this, leaving us to figure out things on our own and lean on our own understandings. However, new relationships and experiences are imperative to opening new doors and this moment is set for just that. Access to new networks not only ensures development and growth individually, it opens up the portal for you to share and engage with the community in a way that allows for a holistic win.
How dope would it be if a local artist could partner with a Black-owned design firm to paint custom elements in a new project? Or perhaps, a copywriter collaborating with a graphic designer to give the neighborhood coffee shop a new look? Now’s the time to expand your territory, and connect with those inside (and outside) of your industry to make magic and create something great.
As you can see, the possibilities are endless when it comes to approaching and adapting to the new climate that we’re in- simply because we have the power to create and use any opportunity to our advantage. However, if we hold space for ourselves and each other, use our voices to amplify and lift Black voices, and collaborate and engage each other for bigger wins, we’ll not only be on the fast track to growth, unity and success, we’ll be able to maximize and capitalize on this moment – together.
