The Pivot

 

Time gave us an hour. The weather is cooler. It’s dark by 5:00 pm. The United States has a new president-elect. We’re teaching, learning, celebrating, even mourning virtually. We’ve mastered the pivot. 

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.

When You Need A Break

We started this blog because we were always talking: text, email, DMs on all social platforms, occasionally even phone calls. But this summer, we got quiet. So we decided to write about it. 

Katura: We took an unintentional hiatus from our blog this summer. We were busy with multiple projects, but that’s always been the case. And there was definitely plenty going on in the world to talk about. Too much, actually. Maybe that’s why we were quiet? 

Bria: I unknowingly unplugged. Looking back I was very overwhelmed by what was happening in the world. My work centers Black girls and women and Black girls and women need so much support for so many reasons. I was consulting with organizations about diversity, equity and inclusion, and it’s hard at times to see light at the end of a very profit-driven tunnel. I was having multiple conversations that left me empty. I was struggling with the faith community and its role in healing folks during times of crisis. It was a lot. So getting quiet was probably the compromise I made with myself between processing what was going on in the world and protecting my energy. What do you think made you quiet?

Katura: I hear you on the convos that leave you empty. When your work involves community building, social justice, inclusion and equity strategy - it requires sustained commitment. There are no quick fixes especially when so many people still don’t acknowledge the system is the problem and a social media post won’t fix it. I’m not an activist or organizer, but this summer I was overwhelmed. Same injustices, different day. Staying informed, engaged, focused on impact, holding space for others — none of that is optional for me. But blowing up a friend’s inbox with news that makes us both feel this work isn’t working? Totally optional. So I opted out. 

What’s interesting is that it was weeks before we realized we had gotten quiet. We made our decisions independently out of self-preservation (and sisterly consideration). Now we sometimes share articles with a disclaimer: ‘FYI. I didn’t read this yet bc I want to have a good day.’

Katura: How do you know you need a break? Is there one tell-tale sign for you?

Bria: I don’t get easily distracted. I do pretty well at managing to do lists and prioritizing tasks. So, when I look up and there’s a long list of not done or a pile of unfinished things, it hits me that I’m doing too much and need to regroup, reenergize and/or reprioritize. More than anything this pandemic has taught me to slow down and prune. What about you? Is there something specific you do when you realize you need a break?

Katura: I often plow through my To Do lists even when I’m overwhelmed. What’s different is my energy. I become highly annoyed about what I’m doing and that people are requesting even more from me. I’m learning to pay attention to those feelings and set better boundaries so I’m not reacting to overwhelm but preventing it. I have a long way to go. Lol.  But what’s working for me so far is being vocal about my boundaries, giving myself a whole day or two to relax and have (socially distant)  fun — no work. And then actually leaving the house, which is where most of the work is these days. 

Bria: The end of summer is upon us. COVID-19 derailed summer 2020 plans and the “smell from a grill could spark up nostalgia” kind of summer we were looking forward to was all but eliminated by social distancing and safety precautions necessary to protect folks from the transmission of the Coronavirus. Fun may have not been as accessible this summer, but protests highlighting racial inequality, inequity and injustice in this country were front and center. August has a deep connection to the civil rights movement with many moments in civil rights history taking place in August. Taking into account where this nation is right now, what’s your hope for August 2021?

Katura: I thought you were going to ask about my hope for fall of THIS year. A whole year from now?? I gotta be honest, I’m trying not to get far ahead of myself these days. There’s a lot of worry there. I’m trying to be more grounded in the present. That said, I hope by this time next year that more companies and organizations are doing the (equity) work, not just talking and writing about it. We saw the statements this summer. A year from now I want to see the actions that will back them up. And I hope that marginalized, underresourced groups will be centered in the change we’re fighting for, just not in bearing responsibility for doing that work.

Bria: Speaking of hope, I HOPE we continue to see beautiful Black women showcasing their talents on Verzuz battles! The buzz and buildup to Brandy and Monica, and most recently Patti and Gladys was almost as entertaining as the “battle” itself! I had a great time watching all of it! Who would like to see in an upcoming Verzuz battle in the fall?

Katura: How amazing was that Verzuz?? Ms. Gladys and Ms Patti gave a show!! And I absolutely participated in the hype. My Verzuz dinner was the pre-show!  Now I don’t know who I’d match her up with but I’d love to see Chaka Khan play some joints and share some stories. And Missy! Lyte vs Latifah could be dope. I Love how Verzuz pivoted from a straight up battle to a celebration. We need that. 

Bria: Now I’m thinking about food and wine pairings for the battles you just named!

***

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.