ABSTRACT
I agree with Schiele's powerful declaration that despite the enslavement of my ancestors and “after experiencing some of the most brutal forms of injustice and dehumanization in U.S. history, African Americans continue to survive and function with remarkable resiliency” (Schiele, 2005, p. 802). Even with the continued racism that exists today, cultural resilience is part of black people's legacy. Black people continually demonstrate that they are tallawah, meaning they are “strong or fearless” (https://s3-euw1-ap-pe-df-pch-content-public-u.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/9780429432606/f1696789-c5b1-4545-8dce-4ea0cc110beb/content/www.jamaicanpatwah.com">jamaicanpatwah.com). This chapter will explore aspects of the legacy of slavery, black oppression, and the cultural and political landscape that set this oppression in motion. Moreover, I will reflect upon the systemic negative ideologies that strive to keep power within the dominant culture, whether that is intentionally or unintentionally. There will be an examination of issues such as slavery, racism, prejudice, cultural oppression, internalized racism, microaggressions, identity and intersectionality, unconscious bias, growth, resilience, and leadership. There will be an exploration of the inequalities that exist and that place sophisticated barriers within society and organizations which prevent many more people of colour from progressing in life and being in leadership roles. I will examine as a black female counselling psychologist my own journey to becoming a leader: the obstacles, my leadership style, and what helps me to rise and be inspired to connect with my resilient self.
