black and (A)broad

Thursday night I had the honor of participating in a virtual roundtable. Trina Roach’s Uncaged Birds were myself, Love Newkirk (Germany) and Harolynne Bobi (Greece). For two hours we discussed issues that affect black women living and working in Europe.

Love Newkirk is an inspirational entertainer who uses the stage as well as television to spread her message of unity. Her efforts have put the spotlight on Afro-Germans (of African descent, born and raised in Germany) and their rich contribution to their culture.

After a life-changing accident, Harolynn Bobis decided, with her Greek-American husband, to retire in Greece. She teaches English there.

The topics on the table for discussion ran the gamut from how we, as black women, ended up in Europe to how we move our bodies, usually physically different from those surrounding us, in cultures that are governed by different codes. We touched on sisterhood, language and hair. We shared how we dealt with the stares and glares of others and how we were raising our multicultural children.

What stuck out for me was the main thing we have in common: the three of us have managed to rescue our selves from the quagmire of negative stereotypes and unflattering images that continue to fester in American institutions. We’ve refused to be boxed into the expectations that have been placed upon us. We’ve come to accept our black bodies and own what we’ve achieved with them. We’re not making apologies or excuses for where we’ve been, what we’ve done or who we are.

Trina Roach’s groundbreaking project Uncaged Birds™ is just another testament to her innovative spirit. She left a high-powered corporate career as head of human resources in a major ad agency to start her own training and coaching company, Creating Tomorrow.

“With Uncaged Birds™ I provide support for women of African descent as they more effectively tap into their innate individual and cultural strength, and utilize that strength as a powerful springboard to personal and professional success – in a safe, stress-free environment that respects our heritage and history.”
She encourages black women, “Let’s be our own role models,” and with projects like this one, she’s leading the way.

Follow this link to listen to our discussion.

Tags: black woman, black women, identity

This entry was posted on Saturday, July 17th, 2010 at 14:35 and is filed under Geen categorie. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.