Wonderful Thinking

When does staying well-informed cross the line into information overload and overwhelm? As leaders working in the diversity, equity and inclusion space, the current social and political climate definitely has us testing that balance. 

KH: Like many friends, our texts and DMs are random and never ending. 😁

BG: I am certain that we have more proverbial costume changes in one conversation than Beyonce will have during the Cowboy Carter tour! But much like a tour all the changes are still connected by a theme.  

KH: We’ve got jokes, personal updates, and of course memes. But we also keep each other informed on what’s happening in social justice and diversity, equity and inclusion. And there’s a lot happening these days. 

BG: I vacillate between hope and exhaustion frequently. I’m also aware that the point of all the chaos is to cause overwhelm. Septima Poinsette Clark once said, “I have great belief in the fact that whenever there is chaos, it creates wonderful thinking. I consider chaos a gift.” I believe that’s what we’re doing in our DMs — a lot of wonderful thinking. 

KH: “Wonderful thinking.” I love that!! It speaks to the space we’re creating for each other. And to think, we don’t send half of what we could! With the barrage of legislative actions related to diversity, equity and inclusion, it can be easy to spiral in the name of staying well informed. Even when you have positive developments, like the Federal judge blocking exec orders last week. How do you know when you crossed the line into information overwhelm?  If I get to 2-3 scrolls and haven’t laughed — that’s my sign! 

Educator and activist Septima Clark

BG: Yes! My barometer is joy. If I don’t have a smile on my face and my heart full after a few scrolls, I go find the beautiful toddler in brown fringe cowgirl boots popping a fan to Frank Foster’s song, “Boots on the Ground.” Also, she’s a much better dancer than me and I clearly need to level up before Spring. I can’t look bad doing this dance, lol!

KH: How do you find a better balance? 

BG: With so much change, it makes sense that we’re trying to gain a sense of control by staying informed. But I think we have to set boundaries and ask ourselves ‘Is this information actionable?’ Social media algorithms can trap us and decide what we see. We have to be picky and find a few trusted news sources, limit the amount we consume and stick with the important parts. National Public Radio (NPR) is my go-to source. I listen on the way to work and on the way home. I’ll catch some local news in the evening to catch community and legislative happenings. And everything else I consume is on the lighter side.

KH: Agreed on being selective in terms of news consumption. I will also mute a group chat in a minute. Hide and delete folks on social. And sometimes simply tell people that I don’t want to be included in certain conversations. I have to check myself, too. Like you, I’m biased toward positive action, so I try to share content that reflects that. If I’m reading or watching and feel more despair than motivation — it’s time to do something different. 

BG: It’s really about finding ways to respond effectively to changes that affect our lives and those around us without being part of the noise. I read this quote by author Caroline J. Sumlin recently, “Joy and rest must be at the foundation of your activism. It is not sustainable to run on anger.”

KH: And let’s be clear; we’re not delusional or engaging in toxic positivity. What we’re facing as a nation, particularly as part of marginalized communities, is an attempt to undo decades of progress toward a more just society. I recently sent you an article about banning books — in this case a library removing from its shelves books that mention the civil rights movement. Can you imagine what’s left on those shelves? It’s scary and maddening. 

At the same time, I’m seeing more people post reminders that we are not powerless. There are things we can do to fight back, drive positive change, and take care of ourselves. 1) More intentional spending with companies whose practices align with your values. For me that’s Black, small and local businesses.  2) Buy, borrow, read and recommend banned and challenged books. 3) Support mutual aid efforts — and make use of them if you need help. Being part of a supportive community is so important right now. What would you include on that list?

The banned book display at Watchung Booksellers, an independent bookstore in Montclair, NJ

BG: I absolutely agree with intentional spending — or not spending. I’d add lifting locally — attend city council meetings, school board meetings, community events. This is where decisions are made and you can lend your voice to positive change. I’d add volunteering for the causes that align with your values or interests. Whether it’s schools, parks, civic organizations or community centers and nonprofits. There are plenty of ways to give back and be creative doing it. I saw a video of a music teacher that was volunteering to teach kids spirituals from the Black church. What a way to connect with the community and combat the suppression of information in a nontraditional way! I believe what Kerry Washington said during the NAACP Awards. We’re being called to greatness.

KH: If DEI is the top topic in our DMs, second has to be Black history. You and I always talk about how we celebrate all year; Black History Month is just our anniversary. What’s been your favorite Black history share so far? Mine is the post about Whitney recording “I’m Your Baby Tonight” in one take because she wanted to go to the mall! I read LA Reid told that story in his book Sing to Me. I also love the history Imani Barbarin shared about Audre Lorde’s quote and why rest and self-care are revolutionary. 

BG: There have been two for me: encouraging people to watch The Six Triple Eight. Black girls are magic! I was beaming that entire movie! It’s our tradition of resistance that continues to inspire me. Did I mention these women built a hair salon in a dilapidated church during a war? The second would be Sheila E. sharing the story of playing bottles filled with water on Michael Jackson’s song, “Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough.” As soon as I saw this clip, I listened to the song. If you didn’t know, now you know! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yaMhspMpzfo

The six triple eight battalion

###

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, Black history, and New Edition.

What We Got from Family

The Griffith and Hudson families. 

Hudson family photo courtesy of Stephan Hudson.

KH: A while ago I saw a post about generational trauma and the importance of remembering that there’s wisdom that's passed along to us too. With all the focus on healing, identifying unhealthy patterns, and doing the work to change them — it’s important to do more to recognize and tap into the good. And there’s so much of it. For Black History Month, I thought it would be dope to talk about all the good things that our families have passed along to us. 

brg: I really love that we’re learning new ways to ‘family.’ We’re understanding how generational trauma has affected us and redefining relationships, parenting and self-care. And to your point, our ancestors left breadcrumbs to help us both do the heavy work and find joy.

KH: So you know I'm gonna start with music. Now I can’t sing at all. But put me on that show Shazam and I’m winning. I can name a song within seconds of hearing the opening notes. And I swear that’s because of my family. My uncles are talented musicians. My aunt and both of my parents can sing. My uncle Curt & my cousin Eric even won a Grammy together last year. Now none of that talent came my way, but I do have that winning ear, and a deep love for live music.

brg: I can carry my weight holding a harmony or two, but I’m not a soloist! Sunday mornings were always my favorite music days: Gospel from my mom, Jazz, R&B and Funk from my dad, then they’d give the kids a freebie of what was popular at the time. I can’t remember a summer spent with my cousins that didn’t involve learning new songs. I know the song “Cassanova” by LeVert to this day because my big cousin Katisha made sure I knew every single word! 

Cousins April, Bria and Katisha

I also looked forward to building go-carts from lawn mower motors with my Uncle Walter, helping my Aunt Thressa prepare for family barbecues, going to the movies with my Aunt Lois who bought me my own popcorn that I didn’t have to share with my brothers. I learned to innovate and problem solve, connect with others and care for people.

KH: I got my side eye from my maternal grandmother, Mimi. 😁 She also used to always ask how I became so disciplined and goal oriented. But she earned her Bachelors from Hampton at 19 years old, traveled to France, and became a French and English teacher at both the high school and college levels. In the post-Depression, segregated south! She was in her late 80s and 90s when she was wondering about my discipline. I reminded her of the example she set for me, long before I was born. 

 Katura's maternal grandmother, Lillian Willis (Mimi) and her side eye.

brg: At the core, family is who we are; it’s at the heart of our humanity. Black family histories and traditions have been an integral part of this nation’s story and a foundational component to American culture and identity. One good thing that comes to mind for me is that family doesn’t mean blood. Can we celebrate play cousins?! Many of us grew up with cousins and siblings that were fostered and adopted through circumstances rather than courts. Those familial bonds are just as strong as the genetic ones. I feel like our ancestors taught us to love one another in that way.

KH: I met another Black woman who works in PR last week. Her last name is Hudson too and I called her cousin immediately!! Lol

I have a lot of biological cousins too. And genetics are really interesting. My cousin Kelli and I didn’t not really grow up together. I’d see her only here and there over the years. Our dads were super close growing up though. When my dad was writing his memoir, her dad was helping him remember details. They're that close. And when I tell you how similar Kelli and I are personality wise?! Especially when it comes to being straight shooters. It even surprises me sometimes. 

brg: I think we should also celebrate and lift up the regular stuff that our families have given us. Like how there are specific “jobs” when it comes to holidays - if it’s not your job to make potato salad and/or macaroni and cheese don’t make it or bring it. If you’re asked to bring ice and utensils, then we all know you can’t cook! I see that as two life lessons: stay in your lane (play to your strengths) and what’s understood doesn’t need to be explained :)

KH: Haaa!! My mom and I made the dressing together this past holiday season. Usually she makes it, and we wait alllll year for it, so I know that pressure! It's her recipe with some tweaks from my paternal grandmother, Ma Dear.

I always say that my first examples of giving came from Ma Dear. She didn’t not have a lot of money but if you were hungry, her door was always open and your plate would always be full. I learned that early from stories my dad would tell about growing up poor in Mansfield, LA. Giving from your overflow is one thing. But giving when you don’t have extra — that really stuck with me, and shapes my giving today. 

brg: Black men play a central role in our families. Black social media is usually ripe with hilarious illustrations of Black family member characters. I’m thinking about the uncle we all know with a cigarette hanging off of his lip giving you a laundry list of the necessary repairs for your car! I’m also thinking about fathers and grandfathers, brothers and cousins that provide stern and loving insight to steer you in the least harmful direction. 

KH: Shout to my uncle Raymond who came with me to buy my first car for that very reason!

There’s a content creator, itsjust_shaymoore on Tik Tok. Her videos have me hollering AND thinking we’re related. It’s an entire celebration of the Black family on her page. Including the mechanic uncle.

brg: I love her content! My family’s roots are Southern, which makes me love her content even more!

KH: What about parents? The best things you got from yours?

For me it’s being a solution creator. They started Just Us Books out of a need they saw decades ago for children’s books that celebrate and center Black folks. That takes initiative, drive, patience. I have two out of those three 😁. 

brg: My parents taught me to use what I have to help the overlooked among us. No one is too “small” to help. I was reminded of this a few years ago when my high school security guard, Myrna, reached out to me on social media. She was so sweet and told me she was proud of me. She even said I was cool! I spoke to support staff (security, lunch ladies, facilities, etc.) more than I did teachers and administrators and was keen to call out disrespectful behavior toward them. Now that I think about it, I’m the same way now.

Bria's parents on their wedding day

###

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.