One day, while walking to school with my brother (I was seven, he was ll), two of his classmates started making comments about my dress. The two were girls and they were being very mean about my attire. My parents owned their home, however, our means were modest. I liked my dress, but they didn’t. My brother proceeded to defend me and ward them off. They continued to make comments, laugh, and ran ahead of us. I did not understand what they were saying, but I could tell by the verbal exchange and the look on his face that something was wrong. What could possibly have been the matter with my dress? What would make them pick on me in a manner where my brother had to defend?

As I grew up, it became clear how cruel we (girls) can be to each other. Jealousy, envy, fitting in, going along, selfishness and more reasons than I will list here. I can recall being on the other side and was mean to someone for no apparent reason other than I could. We grow up and carry that torture and bullying mentality into our lives. We have all done it at some point, whether it was intentional or not. Solidarity is real when it comes from a place of truth and trust. I walk past Women who do not offer a kind nod or gesture. They look straight ahead as if I am invisible. Let’s face it, Women struggle so hard to unite because we are still divided in some ways. Yes, there are some of us who genuinely accept all no matter who you are and what you have. And, there are those who continue to segregate based on classicism, race, geographic locale, etc. We can stop it at any time. I have taken measures to do just that. Will you?

With the current Women’s movement and recognition that we are garnering today, how about putting forth an effort to include other Women who are different from you? Say hello, smile, nod, do something to build a sisterhood that can be embraced. We have to trust each other and be trustworthy towards one another. Today I have sister friends, whom I trust. I am putting forth a heartfelt effort to be better than those girls who introduced me to shame at the age of seven.

If we all cannot get on board in solidarity, then what’s the point?

What’s your story?

Peace and Blessings,

Grace Sowtrue

The RJ Group

I am really intrigued by this story and want to share it with you. Having been in the Information Technology (IT) field for over 20 years, it is very refreshing (as always) to see someone else who shares my thoughts and vision. It is clear that women in IT are few and far in between. As a black woman, I see fewer of us than I do women altogether. When we speak up and do what we can to make a difference, it makes a difference. Even if the numbers effected by the change are small, they still change.

If each one of us who are in positions or capable of helping others would do just that, then the numbers would be greater. Yes, we need women’s rights more than anything, and we also need to take notice when others who look different are treated differently because their hue is a different shade. Since we are standing together, let’s all do it and leave bias and prejudice somewhere else. Mentor, coach, pass the torch, be a role model to give other women a chance.

I salute Stephanie Lampkin for her trailblazing idea and am now one of her biggest cheerleaders! Kudos to you for your out of the box thinking and actions!

Read Stephanie Lampkin’s story below.

Stephanie Lampkin – Leveling the Playing Field