We recently connected with Nikki Alexander-Tumblin and have shared our conversation below.
Nikki , thanks so much for taking the time to share your insights and lessons with us today. We’re particularly interested in hearing about how you became such a resilient person. Where do you get your resilience from?
I draw my resilience from the strength of my community and the countless Black Queer women who have paved the way for our movement. Their unwavering determination inspires me to keep pushing forward in the face of adversity. Additionally, my personal experiences have fueled my resilience, as I understand the importance of our work in creating a more inclusive and accepting society for all.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Reflecting on my journey as the founder and executive director of New Orleans Black Pride, three qualities, skills, and areas of knowledge stand out as the most impactful:
1. Resilience The ability to bounce back from setbacks and continue pushing forward is crucial. In a male-dominated society, leading a Black Pride organization can be challenging, but resilience helps you persevere. My advice is to build resilience by staying connected to your community, seeking support when needed, and always remembering your purpose and the positive impact you’re making.
2. Community Engagement
Building and nurturing a supportive community is vital. Developing strong relationships with members of your community, allies, and partners can open doors and create a network of support. To improve in this area, actively engage with your community through events, outreach, and collaboration. Listen to their needs and incorporate their feedback into your work.
3. Intersectional Knowledge
Understanding the intersectionality of identities, such as being Black, Queer, and a woman, is essential for effective leadership. It allows you to address the unique challenges faced by various segments of your community. To develop this knowledge, educate yourself on different aspects of identity and be open to learning from others. Intersectionality enhances your ability to advocate for and represent your community authentically.
For those early in their journey, my advice is to:
– Stay True to Your Values: Be clear about your values and principles, and let them guide your work. Authenticity is a powerful tool in leadership.
– Continuous Learning
Never stop learning. The landscape of activism and advocacy is ever-evolving. Stay informed about current issues, trends, and best practices in your field.
– Network and Collaborate
Building a strong support network is invaluable. Collaborate with like-minded individuals and organizations to amplify your impact.
– Self-Care
Don’t neglect your well-being. Leading a movement can be emotionally and physically taxing. Prioritize self-care to ensure you have the energy and resilience to continue your journey.
– Celebrate Small Wins
Acknowledge and celebrate your achievements, no matter how small. Recognizing progress can motivate you and your team to keep moving forward.
Remember that every journey is unique, and there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. Embrace the challenges and successes along the way, and never lose sight of the positive change you’re working to create.
What’s been one of your main areas of growth this year?
Over the past 12 months, my biggest area of growth and improvement has been in expanding our outreach and engagement efforts. We’ve been able to connect with a broader and more diverse audience, reaching individuals who may not have been aware of our organization’s work before.
Through strategic partnerships, social media campaigns, and virtual events, we’ve extended our reach and fostered a sense of belonging within the Black Queer community. This growth has allowed us to amplify our advocacy and support networks, ultimately advancing our mission of creating a more inclusive and accepting society.
Continuing to adapt and innovate in our outreach strategies has been a significant learning experience, and it has reinforced the importance of staying flexible and responsive to the evolving needs of our community.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.blackpridenola.com
www.blackpridenola.org - Instagram: @nikklashae @blackpridenola
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/blkpridenola?mibextid=b06tZ0
