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Tag: Diverse

  • Black History Is Your History By Taylor Cassidy Is A Must-Read!

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    Yes, we’re aware that February is still several months away. But we also love to celebrate Black history whenever we can, especially when we can see it happen in real time. You may have heard of Taylor Cassidy or seen one of the many videos from her Fast Black History TikTok series. Today, she’s just released her debut nonfiction book, Black History is Your History!

    This book highlights twelve Black historical figures who have all left a major impact on American history, figures who deserve more than a few bullet points on a slideshow presentation. We at THP are so in love with the concept and messaging behind this book. Here are just three things we love about Taylor Cassidy’s debut and why it’s a must-read for everyone!

    Image Source: Simon & Schuster

    Book Overview: Black History Is Your History

    Summary: Meet Taylor Cassidy, Black history enthusiast and creator of the viral TikTok series Fast Black History. In her debut book, Taylor takes readers on a journey through the Black history she wishes she was taught in school. With sparkling wit and humor—and lots of fun pop culture references—she paints a vibrant picture of twelve figures from Black history whose groundbreaking contributions shaped America as we know it today. Introducing icons from activists to literary giants, movie stars to Olympic gold medalists, fashion designers to astronauts, and more, this one-of-a-kind collection makes Black history relatable, relevant, and utterly irresistible.

    Using Black history as inspiration, Taylor weaves together research and personal anecdotes that illuminate each trailblazer’s impact on her own life—as well as sharing plenty of triumphant, funny, and embarrassing moments from her past. From navigating friend breakups and unrequited crushes to setting boundaries and fighting self-doubt, Taylor’s been there…and she’s learned some valuable life lessons along the way.

    This book is a joyful celebration of Black history makers, and you’re invited to the party. Come on in and let these twelve true stories inspire you to make history of your own!

    The Author’s Voice

    One of our absolute favorite things about Black History is Your History is the author Taylor’s voice. She personalizes this book by sharing snippets from her own life and her history (or should we say, “her-story”). Taylor explains the impact of each historical figure with a personal anecdote or a life lesson that she carries with her. Her narration is so relatable and charming. And it makes us feel like we’re sitting with her and having a chat over coffee and lunch. We finished this book in a blink of an eye, and we’d do it all over again if she wanted to add more installments down the line.

    Much-Needed Diversity

    We can’t talk about Black History is Your History without shouting out the diverse representation, not just in the historical figures but also in the wide range of stories. From almanac author Benjamin Banneker in the 18th century to actress Cicely Tyson in the 20th century, there is something inspirational for everyone. Not to mention the intersectionality of identities in prominent figures like gay liberation activist Marsha P. Johnson as well as astronaut and engineer Mae Jemison, the first African-American woman to travel to space.

    Educational And Enjoyable

    Though we recognized many names in this book, we loved reading the extra background that we would’ve missed in regular history lessons. We also get commentary from the author in sections she dubbed as “Taystory.” One of the stories that most stood out to us was about Tommie Smith, former track-and-field athlete. After winning gold in the 1968 Olympics, he and his teammate John Carlos (who’d won the bronze medal) raised their black-gloved fists on the victory podium in protest of racism and discrimination. While we’d heard of this event briefly before, reading about it again gave us chills.

    From the creator of Fast Black History videos comes an educational debut book we finished in the blink of an eye. Taylor Cassidy’s Black History is Your History is utterly witty and inspirational.

    Black History is Your History by Taylor Cassidy comes out October 14th, and you can order a copy of it here!

    What do you think of Taylor Cassidy’s debut book? Have you been following her Fast Black History series on TikTok? Let us know on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram!

    TO LEARN MORE ABOUT TAYLOR CASSIDY:
    INSTAGRAM | TIKTOK | TWITTER | YOUTUBE

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    Julie Dam

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  • 3 Keys to Success for Black Women Entrepreneurs | Entrepreneur

    3 Keys to Success for Black Women Entrepreneurs | Entrepreneur

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    Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

    Let’s be blunt. Being a Black entrepreneur is different from our counterparts. Not always in a bad way, just dissimilar. However, we do face challenges or have experiences that are sometimes difficult to understand or articulate unless you’re in our shoes or you live through them. What might seem routine, ‘normal,’ or straightforward to others has proven to be unlike what our communities of color face — especially in the small business world. Nevertheless, remaining optimistic and resilient amongst the noise will aid in your success despite the barriers.

    Embracing pride for your business while maintaining respect for others and yourself will ultimately mold a sound backbone for what life throws amongst the discrimination and bias that are still prevalent. As a Black woman entrepreneur, being aware of the obstacles and having courage to overcome them is critical. Here are three keys to success that aid in empowerment, growing your small business as an underrepresented class and evolving into a respected small business owner.

    Related: 6 Ways to Offer Allyship to Black Entrepreneurs

    1. Bring your own perspective and authenticity + don’t be afraid to cultivate change

    No matter how often you’ve been silenced, don’t allow that to define you. Bring your unique perspective to every situation facing you. Fortunately, redefining and making small changes can yield big results in every area of life. Entrepreneurs generally endure a lot every day because it seems easy enough to just count us out or take us less seriously than those in corporate America. However, speaking up, starting and maintaining needed conversations and leveraging your strengths to propel you forward will open doors for differing perspectives and much-needed change to your organization and the world. It’s as simple as this — You can make a difference. So, when you see something you don’t agree with or feel it is unethical, say something. Be 1% better every day in all you do.

    Roadblocks are inevitable but necessary for growth. Looking at them as opportunities to be better is always the way forward. Keep your vision clear on what you want your business to accomplish and your life. Continuously set goals to make your vision a reality. And know that being authentic is the best you can be. People want to see authenticity in how they live their lives, run their businesses, and create community. It builds trust and confidence — which is so instrumental, especially today.

    Related: How to Create a Thriving Workplace by Leading With Authenticity

    2. Stay true to who you are + be an advocate for yourself

    If you’re a POC reading this, there has, without a doubt, been a time when you found yourself as the only representation of color in a group. In these moments, look for opportunities to drive diversity by advocating for yourself and others. Because when you walk into rooms and see people that look like you amongst the crowd, doesn’t that feel better than good? Whether you look at the company you founded, the organizations you get involved with, or the community you live in, you have the greatest opportunity to support diverse environments. Remembering your value and having a purposeful vision in all situations will go a long way.

    Related: Black Women Entrepreneurs, Not Banks, Helped Me Keep My Company Going During the Pandemic

    3. Stay informed + commit to your beliefs

    The average revenue of Black-owned businesses in Atlanta is incredibly low. According to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, in 2021, “Black-owned companies generate $39,826 in average annual revenue.” When you consider that minority-owned businesses are pulling in less than $40,000 a year, which is astonishingly less than those businesses that aren’t minority-owned, that’s a huge problem. Whether it’s through volunteering, speaking, mentoring or 1:1’s, being a force of change in those statistics (or similar ones) is crucial to the difference that the small business community needs.

    As business grows, be a role model for those following in your footsteps. Others are studying your career path and seeing what your business and life look like. Why not leave a lasting legacy in all areas of your life?

    Be strong in your commitment to rise above and make a difference; remember it starts with you. Consider these possibilities:

    • Choose equitable hiring practices.
    • Find speaking opportunities that allow you to support your community.
    • Cultivate a diverse set of offerings and client bases.
    • Think through your business and find areas where you can drive diversity, equity and inclusion.
    • Be the change you know you can be, and be proud of where your business can take you.

    The path to success for Black women entrepreneurs requires perseverance and perspective. Staying true to yourself and being a positive resource to others will build a successful business that serves your purpose and your community well. Even in the face of adversity, a resilient spirit, clear vision and unwavering commitment can make all the difference in achieving success and positively impacting the world.

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    Lauren Gall

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