We’ve heard it asked time and time again: “What do you bring to the table?” Whether discussing job potential, academic success or even relationships—people want to know what you have to offer. But what Black people are starting to realize is this question doesn’t always serve us. Many tables aren’t built for our community.
And this realization has led many creative entrepreneurs of color to chart their own path. Rather than waiting for seats at tables that rarely make room for us, we’re building our own and extending invitations to those we want to join us.
But what does it mean—and what does it take—to be this type of trailblazer? Building your own table means knowing your value. It means looking at what already exists and believing there is still space for you. If bread and gas can be repackaged 100 ways, whatever you excel in can be branded and sold for what it’s worth (plus tax).
Building a table also means building chairs that allow the community to engage, support and challenge you.
For the month of June, we’ll be highlighting some of today’s creative entrepreneurs of color “Building Tables” for the culture. They’re ordinary people doing extraordinary things, all because they decided to make space and create access where there was little to none. We’ll share how they built their table, and more importantly, provide you with some tips and unique tools you’ll need to do the same. Here are three to get us started:
Greg Cox
Grammy award-winning artist Greg Cox is not only using his platform to showcase his soulful voice, but also to bring awareness to men’s mental health. Recently featured on Kirk Franklin’s song “Strong God,” Cox has been intentional about discussing the importance of therapy and its benefits. Historically, Black people have overwhelmingly dealt with prejudice and discrimination in the health care system, and Black men facing mental health concerns are disproportionately misdiagnosed over their white counterparts.
Cox started building his table in Charlotte, but his influence has expanded and doesn’t just include people who look like him. Additionally, as a dad, Cox openly shares the challenges and rewards of being a father to two young, Black children. He’s building his table not just for other musicians, but for his kids, too—creating generational wealth and opportunity.
Ashlee Wilson
Writer and health care professional Ashlee Wilson is revolutionizing how Black women access competent and necessary health care. Health in Her Hue is a digital platform focused on making providers and resources more easily accessible, while also sharing information about improvements needed to give all Black women the health care they deserve. Knowing many are ignorant to the ways in which Black women are dying in a first world country due to poor health care, Wilson decided to take action by providing tangible solutions for her community. A seat at her table means tackling challenges Black women face that are largely overlooked and often unaccounted for. Wilson is pulling up a chair in honor of the women we couldn’t save and for the ones that still have a fighting chance.
Chanice McClover-Lee
Empowering youth through her book and speaking engagements, 19-year-old Chanice McLover-Lee is recognized for her activism and teaching teenagers how to be activists in their own communities. With experience in political organization, Chanice knows how to grab the attention of her audience and hold it. Rather than waiting until she “got older,” this change maker decided to take charge now. What started as an idea at age 14 has turned into a career teaching young people to be aware of, interested in and educated about sociopolitical issues. Her table was built with the intention of expansion so that any young person from any part of the world can have a seat.
This is only the start of a series meant to encourage and inspire others to build their table. If you were looking for a sign of when to do that thing you’ve been waiting to do—this is it. Check back each week for a new “Building Tables” feature.
