We need new leadership in America, particularly in rural and underserved communities. Just last week a group of top Fortune 500 companies came together to speak about investing in communities across America. I happened to have been present…the only under 40 and minority female.
One company is willing to invest in 10 communities for 10 years. Do you know how much support that can mean? Once again the focus was inner city and mostly known name cities—ATL, NY, LA, CHI….but what about rural America, my America.
Frankly I didn’t live the life that most people think…when they think of African American…I lived in rural Oklahoma. My family was hard-working Americans for government and in manufacturing. I am the first to go college though my family has been in American for at least 7 generations. This is the case for many regardless of race/ethnicity just because of the nature of the ‘other America.’ And we were not alone…now those jobs are gone.
While the northeastern US was being industrialized, those living southwest and central were part of a new frontier. Universities were created until the start of statehood (Oklahoma, that’s 1907). And even then it was a matter of survival…And getting real experience versus getting a formal education..just didn’t add up in terms of practicality.
I come from a very practical family and culture…Oklahoma State University is a built on practicality…that’s why you could get degrees in animal science, soil science, nutrition, fire protection, etc at an 1890 land grant insstitution versus a liberal arts school in the northeast. For the culture, traditions and region….you can’t go far with a liberal arts degree during those times.
What is our generation (particularly those of color) doing about making a difference in the community? I don’t know about you but I am tired of people saying that “I have time to make a difference in the world. I am so young!”
Because frankly we have the most educated workforce post-Civil Rights in the history of this country…so what are we doing with all this knowledge…make money for a traditional established well known brand and volunteer in our communities on the side.
Don’t perpetuate the notion of hating on your own…if you can’t be the change…don’t block and spit hate on others trying to create change in their own way…because at least they’re on the road and they may need you for advice. So help them if you see them slipping or not being as effective as they can. One thing that our generation has is our creativity, energy and the ability to operate in the boardroom and the community…so remember that. You have value and worth and mix that with wisdom…man, you are powerful.
Even though corporations want to invest, they are thinking financial bottomline at the same time. We need more social innovation in our communities. We need creative solutions…we need people with an altruistic heart, a business and political savviness, and a untamed passion to make a difference. We need more conscious, more soul, more hope in America. And frankly money can’t by that. We need people to have a heart, lend a hand and do best they can to help their neighbors.
But you must think within to know what that purpose is. You must spend time with yourself to know what that is. You must be able to think and act holistically to know what that looks like. In order to lead anyone or anything, you must be able to lead yourself. And that has been my lifelong journey…being the change that I wish to see….by doing the change within me.
I say all this to get your feedback on what CHANGE you seek for yourself as a next generation leader and the CHANGE we need in our communities, starting with the organizational and community leadership representing our communities.
Will you ride the wave of change or be left in the wave?
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If you wish to coordinate an action summit for next gen leaders, contact me at tambra@creativecause.org.
We need to coordinate, galvanize and support our generation of young professionals and students to address change in our communities – rural, suburb and minorities.
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Also if you are a professional not going to traditional firm but to public service via government, nonprofit or academia, please send me your information
(name, school, degree and position/organization)
Taj Tashombe
The key to future leadership is organization. Organization is very segmented amongst America, culturally, politically, demographically, etc. Once we figure out how to assess the areas where leadership is needed, we won’t have as many questions about who our leaders are and what they are responsible for.
Just some food for thought.
May 23, 2007 at 1:52 pm