OUR AFRICAN AMERICAN WOMEN

African American women have excelled in virtually every arena of the world’s

spectrum. Born of a desire to succeed, Maggie L. Walker, Shirley Chisolm, Corretta Scott

King and Mya Angelou, to name only a few, are sisters that have paved the way towards

excellence and served as role models for an entire nation of free black women in America

today. Yet Afro American women still face a myriad of stumbling blocks when trying to

crack the glass ceiling of corporate America.

Coming from the rear--with respect to rank among black men, white women and

white men--black women are making headway in the American business industry. We have

always known that we must work harder, think faster, be more creative and accept a great

deal more criticism than any other group in order to be as successful as our white

counterparts. We accept this challenge and are hopeful of its possible dividends. Sisters

have harnessed information that takes a business and its profit to a maximum, and its error

percentage to a minimum. Corporate America is slowly placing more African American

women in executive positions because of advanced abilities and leadership skills.

The African American woman’s status in society have soared tremendously since the

early 1900’s. Before the 20th century’s midpoint, women were looked down upon and given

the treatment of a lesser being. In the sixties, African American women became more

outspoken and began to show their strength and value to the world. African American

women throughout the states showed their independence and pride thus breaking the

barriers of gender stereotypes.

Women in the homes have always been the dominant one in the are of child and, in

some instances, income in the black family. The ability to balance home, work and social

obligations is an art that black women have been adept in mastering. Juggling the role of

wife, mother, nurse, teacher, employee, confidant and friend while trying not to lose their

sense of self in the process and holding to their strong beliefs in God. This alone qualifies

her to lead and certainly to hold a seat on any board of corporate affairs.

Finally, the African American women must continue to strive for excellence and her

rightful place. We have not “arrived” we are “arriving” and that is progress and something

to be proud of.

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