Katura: Have we though? I’m laughing but I’m really asking too. I think I’m naturally resourceful. I bet many Black women would claim that. But mastery might be a stretch. Because sometimes, after all that pivoting, all I can be bothered to do is scroll social media, eat snacks and watch Netflix. But I get it. Your larger point is about adaptability.
Bria: Yes. We know that change is inevitable, but some of these pivots have felt a lot like roller skating for the first time. It’s more about not falling down than it is about getting a rhythm going! Nothing is normal and probably won’t be defined that way for years to come. As a result, I’ve been thinking a lot about ancestors and legacy. This idea that what we do now will live beyond us leaves me asking: Am I my ancestor’s mildest or wildest dreams?
Katura: ‘Mildest’ sends me every time. Lol.
Bria: It makes me chuckle too. What are your thoughts on legacy especially during this time (e.g., global pandemic, racial injustice, divisive politics)?
Katura: I think my idea of legacy is shifting. I used to think of it as what you’d be known for. And I suppose that’s one definition. But now I think it’s less about me and more about others - and what I leave for them. What do you think?
Bria: I agree. I want the people coming after me to have a much smoother runway to land on. An inclusive and equitable place to live, laugh, learn, grow, work and play without having to question and/or challenge others’ ability to acknowledge, respect and honor their humanity.
Bria: Staying on legacy, we’ve passed a marker with recent elections. We saw transgender, nonbinary and BIPOC people be elected to serve in government, including the second highest office in the nation. Black women (again) played an integral role in increasing voter registration and turnout. What do you think Black women’s role will be in shaping this society as we move to take care of ourselves more while challenging systems that don't protect us?
Katura: First let me acknowledge that I probably don’t know about many of the contributions Black women have made to this country. Black women have BEEN doing the work and I’m sure will continue to do so. What I see changing is that 1) we’re telling the stories about that work in ways that are being more widely heard and amplified; 2) we’re shifting away from shouldering tremendous responsibility at our expense. I think we’re getting better at taking care of ourselves while taking care of others. We talked about pivoting earlier. That’s an important pivot.
Bria: We talked about preparations we wanted to make in anticipation of daylight saving time. I, for one, did not anticipate such a hard transition. What have you been doing to keep your vibrations high as the world gets darker and colder?
Katura: I am struggling! And I knew I would be, because sun and fresh air were as important as music in keeping me lifted this summer. I have started to get up earlier so I can enjoy more daylight hours. Before I open my laptop, I make sure I step out on the porch for deep breaths of fresh air. I scrapped my formal at-home work station for a bright and comfy spot on my sunporch. While this Jersey weather still allows it, I spend time outside on the weekends. Even standing in line outside Trader Joe’s counts when it’s sunny! What are you doing?
Bria: My body started waking up earlier (without my permission) before the time changed. Initially, I just chalked it up to my body not needing the extra sleep. When the time actually changed it was brutal! I was all out of whack. It’s rare that I fall back asleep once I’m awake, so I decided to use this extra time differently. Instead of getting up to start my day only to feel like a zombie by noon, I embraced the dark and quiet. I stretch and breathe, sometimes meditate or read (not on my phone or other device) and actually wait until the sun comes up to start my day. It’s made a big difference.
Katura: Funny, my early mornings started without my permission too! So we have regular video chats with our friend Elizabeth (hey Elizabeth!) and we always end with good news or something we’re grateful for. I like ending on a high note, so let’s bring that spirit to this post. As I’m writing this, I’m feeling very grateful for my gratitude practice. That’s kind of meta but it’s true. Every day, throughout the day, I think about good things that are happening - to me, my friends and family, acquaintances and strangers. What you focus on grows, and finding the good has become second nature for me. It helps with the pivot too. Of course, it doesn’t mean I’m happy all the time, but even when I’m annoyed, angry, etc, I don’t stay there long. Gratitude brings me back. What’s your good word?
Bria: Gratitude is a game changer. I’m much better at it than I’ve ever been especially with some of the challenges my family and friends have faced this year. Fact is, 2020 has dealt some severe blows. But I’m learning to be thankful for the littlest of things like toilet paper in Target (big shout out to the essential workers solving our first-world problems). The good word comes from my ten-year old nephew. I recently got to visit with him and his sister (in love with these kids!). He walked up to me, hugged me, looked down at my sneakers and said, “TiTi, you know what? You’ve got style!” So I’ll keep slaying these dragons on his and his sister’s behalf, in style.
Bria R. Griffith is a multi-industry organizational leader on a mission to connect community and business to implement strategies that promote social and economic equity.
Katura Hudson is a writer and strategist with a passion for community; diversity, equity & inclusion; and New Edition.
