We were lucky to catch up with Jameka Lewis recently and have shared our conversation below.
Jameka, so good to have you with us today. We’ve got so much planned, so let’s jump right into it. We live in such a diverse world, and in many ways the world is getting better and more understanding but it’s far from perfect. There are so many times where folks find themselves in rooms or situations where they are the only ones that look like them – that might mean being the only woman of color in the room or the only person who grew up in a certain environment etc. Can you talk to us about how you’ve managed to thrive even in situations where you were the only one in the room?
I am often the only one who looks like me in the room. Being a plus-sized Black woman, I draw attention whether I want it or not. I have to be cognizant of my size and my ethnicity because those are usually the two things that make me different from others in the room.
The keys to being effective and successful when you are the only one in the room who looks like you are 1) Confidence. I am extremely confident in my abilities, aptitude and skills and that allows me to stand tall in any environment 2) Resilience. I have learned to celebrate my losses along with my wins because I know that failure is a part of success. My losses have allowed me to fully appreciate my gains and I’ve learned from every setback. If I’m in a room, it’s because I’ve earned the right to be there. 3) Deliberateness. I am very intentional and deliberate when it comes to how I show up in various spaces. I understand that my stature and presence can shift the environment, so I am very cognizant of how I show up. I don’t shrink. I allow myself to take up as much space as I feel comfortable with and I adjust accordingly.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
By day, I am the branch supervisor of the Blair-Caldwell African American Research Library. There, I am in charge of all branch operations, including staffing, programming, community relations and much more. I am responsible for planning and implementing the vision for our location and I do so with input from my staff and other stakeholders. I absolutely love this role because it allows me to marry my love of Black History with my passion for librarianship. Since we are a research institution, we have the ability to provide information for all types of information-seekers, from babies to experienced researchers.
We will be reopening soon after being closed for renovation. The renovation allowed us to reimagine and reconfigure our spaces to better serve our customers and expand our resource offerings.
By night, I dabble in equity, diversity and inclusion consulting and I work as a contract professional researcher. These roles allow me to utilize my presentation, teaching and curriculum development skills. As a lifelong educator, my goals are always to equip people with the information that they need in the ways that speak to how they absorb it the best and to advocate for access to information for everyone.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
I think the three most important qualities and skills that I have acquired are:
1) The ability to conduct research and identify factual information versus misinformation. As misinformation and disinformation run rampant in our society, I think the skills needed to identify facts have become even more important than ever before. As a historian, I have seen how false information spreads and how that information dilutes truth. It is unfortunate how quickly people are able to share falsehoods and how many people trust what they immediately read instead of questioning it. I always, ALWAYS encourage people to question what is presented, but to also use verified sources when conducting research. If you are unsure of something, feel free to ask professionals (librarians, historians, fact-checkers, etc.). We are always happy to help people find information!
2) I think that natural curiosity and the desire to be a lifelong learner are important for anyone who wants to work in any of the information and education professions. I regularly tell people that it’s flattering to be seen as an expert in my field, but I am continually learning and I always will be a learner. I love it when people tap into curiosity because being curious is the first step to discovery.
3) Developing empathy and understanding are crucial in everything that I do. I understand that not everyone has the same skills and knowledge bases that I do, so I make sure to not belittle people who I am teaching new information or knowledge to. Instead, I try to dig into their natural curiosity and use that as a means of encouraging them to explore what they are interested in. I always remember that there is still TONS that I don’t know and I appreciate it when people teach me with compassion and empathy. I do the same for others.
What was the most impactful thing your parents did for you?
The most impactful thing my parents did for me was to allow me to explore reading. My Daddy took me to the public library when I was a child to get my first library card. From then on, I was constantly in the library doing programs and reading everything I could get my hands on!
My Mom always made sure that I had access to books in the home. I always had a bookshelf in my bedroom that was full of books. My Mom was an avid reader, so when she was home she was usually on the couch or in her bed with a book in her hands. She even allowed me to buy books with my allowance!
Exposing me to reading and knowledge set me on a path of gaining more knowledge and learning SO much. I will always be grateful to my parents for encouraging me to read, even when I was being teased by other for being a “nerd” or staying to myself with only books as my company.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: instagram.com/jaybelluh
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/j.bella.lewis/
Image Credits
Creative Broomfield
