Essay: Fostering Leadership in Black Women
Community leadership is vital for creating spaces where individuals feel recognized, supported and empowered to flourish. Black Womxn in New Hampshire (BWINH) Inc. plays a crucial role in nurturing leadership by providing a haven for Black women, who are often excluded from conventional leadership pathways. With a mission to mitigate the effects of racism, sexism and gender discrimination, BWINH Inc. serves the Black community in New Hampshire and neighboring states. I want to share the inspiring journeys of three collective members who have faced significant challenges and are now community leaders.
The phrase “imposter syndrome” is commonly used to describe the experiences of Black women in professional settings. However, this term conceals something far more harmful: the systemic exclusion intentionally designed to prevent Black women from succeeding. Rather than addressing the structural barriers that exist, “imposter syndrome” shifts responsibility onto the victim, implying that they alone must conquer these obstacles. BWINH Inc. acknowledges that the issue extends beyond personal doubt; it is embedded in oppressive systems that seek to disempower and exclude.
At BWINH Inc., we endeavor to cultivate an environment where Black women can access their innate and ancestral leadership skills without feeling the need to conform or diminish themselves. The collective provides a platform for Black women to lead authentically, without the limitations of exclusionary standards. These three BWINH members showcase how the organization helped them embrace their full leadership potential without compromise.
Deb’s Journey
Deb, originally from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, relocated to Maryland as a child, where she was raised by both parents despite their divorce. She faced challenges as one of only two Black students in her school. Though she didn’t fully grasp the significance of these experiences at the time, her move to Maryland presented new perspectives. There, her Black peers would sometimes question why she “sounded so white” or had “proper grammar.” While these remarks occasionally hurt her, Deb learned to overlook such comments, particularly in her personal life.
Deb discovered BWINH Inc. in 2023 after a friend tagged her in a group post. Having lived in New Hampshire for 13 years, where diversity is limited, she was thrilled to find a collective for Black individuals. Eager to contribute her strengths to the group, Deb became more involved, organizing monthly meetups and fostering community connections. Her work helps cultivate trust and unity among members, and she envisions BWINH Inc. continuing to grow, providing a safe, respected and loving space for Black women.
Jacquai’s Journey
Jacquai Heyward was born in Fitchburg, Massachusetts, and moved to Hudson, New Hampshire, as a baby. She currently lives in Merrimack. Growing up in a predominantly white environment, Jacquai’s identity as a Black woman strengthened her commitment to racial justice and Black empowerment. Passionate about advocating for Black rights, she sought community work that aligned with her values.
Jacquai joined BWINH Inc. because of its alignment with her pro-Black stance. Today, she serves as the programs and activities chair, overseeing event planning and sharing creative ideas with her team. Throughout her life, Jacquai felt the need to work harder than others to gain recognition, believing that as a Black woman, she had to constantly outperform her peers. BWINH Inc. helped her confront these pressures, building her confidence as a community leader. One of her proudest moments was organizing the Juneteenth celebration, an event that brought the Black community together to commemorate emancipation. Inspired by Dwyane Wade’s quote, “My belief is stronger than your doubt,” Jacquai is determined to continue growing as a leader, even if it’s a long hard battle.
Theresa’s Journey
Theresa, from Detroit, Michigan, grew up in a family with deep Southern roots, shaped by Sunday gatherings around homemade Southern meals. These experiences instilled values of togetherness and resilience, which have influenced Theresa’s dedication to building strong community networks.
Theresa’s passion for community work stems from her desire to create a village for her children and other families seeking support. She joined BWINH Inc. to build a strong network where families can access resources and feel supported. As part of the Communications and Marketing Committee, Theresa focuses on connecting with the community and amplifying the organization’s initiatives. One of her most memorable experiences was co-hosting the Juneteenth celebration and serving as a vendor through her business, BreakingBread603. This event deepened her commitment to creating spaces where the Black community can celebrate their heritage.
These stories highlight the profound impact BWINH Inc. has on its members, helping them overcome systemic barriers and grow as leaders. By providing a safe space for Black women to lead authentically, BWINH Inc. fosters the resilience needed for lasting change. Readers can support BWINH Inc. by following the collective on social media and sharing information about it with Black women in their networks.
This article is featured in the winter 2024 issue of 603 Diversity.
603 Diversity’s mission is to educate readers of all backgrounds about the exciting accomplishments and cultural contributions of the state’s diverse communities, as well as the challenges faced and support needed by those communities to continue to grow and thrive in the Granite State.
