You Are Not Successful Until You Have Brought The Next Woman Up
- Ankevia Taylor
- Sep 11, 2019
- 2 min read
Updated: Sep 18, 2019
ImeIme makes history as the first Black Woman to be elected as president of the prestigious Harvard Law Review. As I read over an article about her published by the New York Times it became increasingly apparent to me that it is our duty to open doors for others in our community. Although other minoritzed populations have served as president of this prestigious law review, after 130 years it has elected it's first Black woman. To be noted, the first Black Man to hold this position was our 44th president Barack Obama. So how does a Black woman become the president of a law review which is the most cited journal of its kind? Three words – Black. Girl. Magic!
It is the tenacity of a Black woman which fuels her passions, ambitions, and goals. The ability to somehow do it all, and make it look easy. As the third oldest of four daughters to Nigerian immigrant parents one can not begin to imagine the generational chains Umana has broken in her family alone. Umana exclaims, "It still feels like magic that I'm here" the words every first generation college student can deeply resonate with. Crediting her support system for her success, Umana understands that it takes the work of us all to make progress in the Black community.
Umana is committed to using her position as president to recruit a diverse set of editors for the Harvard law review, as well as publish a diverse set of authors. This is true leadership, and empowerment – using power to give others access, and a seat at the table. But it does not stop there. Take the time out today to consider where, in your community, school, or career, you can make the most impact.
What are you doing to bring the next person up?
I’m Giving back to the youth through mentorship and assisting to be prepared for College and Career Readiness to be productive and competitive individuals in society.