On occasion, we are required to make decisions that may not be popular but are necessary. In his 1965 commencement address at Oberlin College, Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. stated, “The time is always right to do what is right.” Nevertheless, choosing the right course of action does not always lead to the most favorable results.
By July 2023, I had resigned from my position as president of the board of directors of a nonprofit writing organization for women. Despite initially turning down the opportunity to serve as president, I later agreed, driven by the belief that I could bring about a significant impact. However, after just one year in the role, I decided to step down following actions by a group of older White women within the organization, one of whom was a board member, that undermined my position. This occurred subsequent to the board's decision to delay the annual conference because of financial issues.
During my time on the board, I was under the impression that our financial status was more positive than it actually was. It wasn't until I assumed the role of president and started collaborating closely with the treasurer and executive director that I found out the organization had been utilizing the personal line of credit of a former treasurer to support its operations, including the annual conference. The majority of the funds from our yearly fundraising campaign had been provided by two donors who did not contribute during my tenure, and the conference was depleting our resources annually.
After George Floyd's murder, numerous organizations, including this one, vowed to actively promote anti-racism. They committed to enhancing board diversity and implementing programs that reflect this pledge. However, similar to many others, the organization's dedication largely remained superficial, particularly in terms of challenging entrenched, financially irresponsible practices that lacked inclusivity and diversity. Following being unjustly labeled as "angry" by two White women, I came to the realization that safeguarding my mental well-being was more crucial than persisting in advocating for an organization that lacked genuine anti-racism commitment. Several Black individuals, people of color, and allies also chose to resign in solidarity. I am sincerely appreciative of those who prioritized truth and unity over mere titles and positions.
During that same year, I encountered another challenging situation: whether to uphold the current state of affairs or advocate for what is just. I lodged a complaint against a colleague for making discriminatory remarks against Black and Asian individuals, triggering an inquiry by the university's Equal Employment Opportunity office. As I voiced my concerns about the prejudice I had observed, I encountered backlash and harassment, ultimately leading to my departure from the position. After serving for only a year in that capacity, I opted to take a break and subsequently resigned. This ordeal had a considerable impact on my psychological well-being.
Regrettably, I am aware that I am not the only one encountering these difficulties. Upon departing the writing organization, I came across a support network for Black women striving for liberation from toxic work environments. Although I appreciate this assistance, it underscores an alarming fact that these groups are needed.
The fight for justice and equality evokes memories of Colin Kaepernick's choice to kneel during the national anthem in 2016. Kaepernick's protest against racial injustice and police brutality ignited a national conversation and positioned him alongside a legacy of athletes who have leveraged their influence to champion civil rights. Similar to figures such as Martin Luther King Jr., Malcolm X, and the Black Panther Party, his actions garnered both encouragement and considerable opposition, highlighting the challenges and sacrifices involved in advocating for justice.
From these experiences, I learned that certain conflicts are worth engaging in, but prioritizing our mental health and well-being is just as crucial. There are situations where we face a choice between standing up for what's right and remaining silent. What decision will you make?
I hope you will always choose what is right, even at a cost.
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