The "Kamala" I See

Let's start with what I really want to say before we dive deep into the elephant in the room! Congratulations to Senator Kamala Harris for being selected to run alongside former Vice President Joe Biden in the 2020 Presidential Election. I would also like to say Congratulations to every "Kamala" who feels the pain of this Sista! Wheeeew! I don't think there is anything a woman of color can do that won't be misconstrued as angry, bitter, mean, or aggressive (now this is only a few of the names we are called) by men, other races, and especially in the workplace. For the record, I am not going to give room in this platform to discuss the hateful and degrading names being used to describe this courageous Queen, Kamala Harris. You can ask me about all of this whenever we have time to really talk, because I have known this suffering all too well, and at various points throughout my career! Unfortunately, black women are given all of these titles when we are none of them. Instead, we are strong, victorious, over-comers, resilient, peacemakers, burden bearers, forgivers, wives, lovers and committed soul mates, worriers, mothers, lenders, and so much more. These qualities are almost always overlooked whenever we take those characteristics and add them to positions of leadership, power, and influence.

For a lot of black females who have filled leadership roles and/or have had to carry the stain of a supervisor, colleague, or employee's disdainful behavior or misconceptions, we can feel and see the hidden pains and hurts a "Kamala" would be carrying. However, the outward appearance you will see in all "Kamalas" are those characteristics you see displayed by Senator Kamala Harris. I am referencing her ability to still smile, accept others, and to continue doing and being a woman of integrity and respect. You've seen these "Kamalas" before ever meeting the present Kamala today. I would like to think and be bold enough to say, these Queens helped to pave the way for those like Senator Kamala Harris today! These Queens are or were trailblazers and should be treated and given the highest of respect for their accomplishments, not put down and degraded for choosing not to be who or how others would want them to be.

So, who am I talking about? I am talking about Queens like Shirley Chisolm. This Queen unapologetically stated in 1972 she is "unbossed and unbothered". Well 5 years later, there was the birthing of me, and guess what, I came out "unbossed and unbothered" too! Lol, I just feel most Queens do and no, I do not have research to back this up! Remember, I am unbossed and unbothered!

Let's get a little more closer to the present, just so you don't think we don't have these unbossed and unbothered Queens among us today. Let's discuss the Oprah Winfrey empire. We can debate the good and bad deeds of Oprah all day long, but what can't be denied is the leadership, power, and influence she brings to the table and how these three things are criticized by all parties. Then there is First Lady Michelle Obama, who regardless of her strong morals, ethical behavior, stance on freedom and justice for all people, etc. has been bashed because of the very strong man she is connected to, her plight to get American children healthy, for not wearing the right suit or dress or hair styles for meetings, and oh goodness, let's not forget the bashing that was done because she danced and actually laughed! A dance and a laugh that was so infectious, you had no choice but to do the same!

I can't forget to name Whoopi Goldberg, Queen Latifah, Gabrielle Union, Tamron Hall, Venus and Serena Williams, Beyonce, Duchess Meghan Markle, Regina King, Phylicia Rashad, Condoleeza Rice, Simone Biles, Stacey Abrams, and yes, this list can go on and on! However, you get my point, I am sure. Here is the bottom line message I would like to send to every "Kamala" out there. Be You, Be Bold, Be Courageous, and Be Unapologetic, but while you are being all of these things, remember to smile, remember to protect your peace, and remember to know your worth. While we may not know it or see it always, there is another Queen looking at us and they are saying THANK YOU, WOW, QUEEN, SheRO, and so much more wonderful and Black Girl Magical things you can't even imagine.

To Senator Kamala Harris and Vice President Joe Biden, I will say to each of you as you move into the election cycle, work together, work smarter, and work with integrity and decency. We are all depending on you to pull us through. Vice President Biden, you have a true Queen standing next to you........Lead like a King and you will have her unwavering support and the support of the "Kamalas" you don't get to see nor hear from.

Dr. C~ that's me!