Black women have consistently demonstrated resilience, innovation, and unwavering strength, shaping communities and driving progress in ways often overlooked. This article delves into the profound experiences of two Black women, Ms.Francis and Ms. Morraw, exploring their personal journeys, their understanding of their identity, and their version for the future. Through their narratives, we uncover the unique contributions of Black women, particularly in STEM and community building, and highlights the ongoing efforts to honor their legacy while forgoing new paths.
Crystal Francis, who has dedicated five years to Sagamore Hills, views her identity as a Black woman as an “ honor, strength and endurance that come from a place of history.” This profound connection to ancestry fuels her passion for recognizing and amplifying the contributions of Black women have played in STEAM, stating, “As Black women we broke the code to travel into space. We should never be considered a ‘Hidden Figure’ but the answer to life’s boundaries.” she advocates for increased grant funding to support Black-owned businesses and financial literacy programs, emphasizing the need for black women to retain and grow their wealth.
Crystal navigates the complexities of a “bias-dominated industry” by focusing on building her own brand and encouraging other women of color to “Stay Able” to support Black-owned businesses. She believes in sharing wealth- building knowledge to empower fellow women. While she observes significant progress for women of color in media, health, and beauty. Crystal notes that entertainment still presents challenges, urging a focus on substance over superficial fame. To counteract societal stereotypes, she draws inspiration from influences like Ashley Fox, a former Wall Street analyst who champions generational wealth through strategic investing. Crystal’s upbringing , marked by her grandmother’s adage, “Everybody isn’t able,” and the unwavering academic and social support she received, profoundly shaped her understanding of strength and identity. Her family’s history is rich with inspiring figures like Virginia Shelton, honored by President Obama, and her grandmother, Frances Jones, a dedicated NAACP member. Crystal envisions the next generation of young Black women creating five-year programs focused on financial strategies and investment through business portfolio creation, aiming to make them “COVID and recession proof.” She believes collective progress hinges on Black men and women moving away from negative social media narratives and uniting academically and socially to build wealth.
Ms. Morrow, a three-year veteran at Lakeside, defines being a black woman as “ being strong when no one else is.” This inherent strength is a quality she has witnessed and inherited from a lineage of powerful women, including her mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and even her great-great-grandmother. She highlights that Black women are “number one when it comes to getting a higher education like our masters and doctorate,” yet advocates for greater respect and protection for them.
Ms. Morrow observes progress in Black women ascending to leadership roles (“G.E.O.s”) in companies, but acknowledges that full respect in all aspects remains an ongoing struggle. Her upbringing was devoid of negative stereotypes; instead, her family instilled the belief that they were equal and taught them how to survive. She fondly shares the story of her grandmother, who endured the terror of the Ku Klux Klan in North Carolina and faced discrimination even in the hospital at her birth in ‘68. Ms Morrow believes the best way for the next generation of young Black women to honor their legacy and forge their own paths is by cultivating self-love, addressing the erosion of self-esteem she asserts that for continued collective progress, black men and black women must cease tearing each other down and instead focus on uplifting one another.
The narratives of Crystal Francis and Ms. Morrow illuminates the multifaceted journey of Black women in America. Their experiences underscore a legacy of resilience, intellectual prowess, and unwavering commitment to community. From breaking barriers in STEM to championing educational excellence and financial empowerment, Black women have consistently pushed the boundaries of what is possible. As they continue to navigate a world that too often overlooks their contributions, their voices serve as powerful testaments to their strength and their vision for a more equitable future. By celebrating their unique achievements, supporting their endeavors, and fostering genuine partnership between Black men and women, we ensure that their legacy not only endures but inspires generations to come.
