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Black History Month 2010: Reflections of Trailblazers

dawnmccoy — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 05:59:29 +0000

Reflecting about Black History Month 2010 and the numerous contributions of African Americans throughout history, I am reminded of a speech I delivered before the California School Board Association delegate assembly in May 2005. It was a poignant moment for me as a junior school board trustee. I was taking a stand during a high-profile school district debate about access to public education. Here are some excerpts from those remarks:

“Trailblazers paved the way for justice. Their legacy encapsulates for us a message of tenacity, civic responsibility, and courage in the face of adversity.

You see there was a woman named Rosa who refused to stand up…in the name of equality. And then there was another known as Coretta who would not just stay on the sidelines at home raising children…but she continued her husband’s message of justice. And neither is to be undone by Shirley. You know the one who dared to run as a 1972 contender to become the first African American female president. All did so in the name of equity. And did we not marvel at the eloquence and candor of Barbara for her vision to impart truth and fairness?

The lives of Rosa Parks, Coretta Scott King, and Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm, and Texas Congresswoman Barbara Jordan were all visionaries with words and lives that still inspire us. Their lives encouraged us to keep up the fight for equity, accountability, and our unequivocal commitment to saving our youth and improving our schools. And yet there is still much work to do.”

While I didn’t know at the time, these courageous trailblazers provided a solid backdrop for my remarks. More importantly, their legacy helped confirm that leaders may not always know the long-term impact of their actions. Thank goodness these black history month figures took a stand so that I could as well in my quest for equity.

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Life After Leadership

dawnmccoy — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 14:47:06 +0000

Recently a colleague and I engaged in light banter about the process when leaders change positions. My friend maintained the most important legacy leaders leave is going from one position into a successive one. For some people, this means being vice president and then president of a neighborhood association. For others, it involves serving on a school board and then seeking a city council seat. In turn, some might get to local leadership position and later ponder a state legislative role.

While this is one avenue leaders can take, I firmly believe leaders should consider giving back to others among their most important obligations. In short, this means reaching back to help another. What good will history show if leaders do not help another?

It’s simple enough for leaders to leave a legacy after their leadership tenure through mentoring, coaching, or general support. It might include stay engaged with rising leaders through tutoring, community service, and teaching. My point is: leaders must leave as part of their legacy a commitment to helping others. Specifically, this should be a commitment to help others get into, survive, and transition into and between leadership roles.

Even after leaders retire from official duties, some simple yet committed ways can result in a lasting legacy with a big impact.

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Solving the Leadership Deficit

dawnmccoy — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 14:40:40 +0000

Lately there are ongoing discussions about the good intentions but lacking values of some leaders. We see this in the news practically everyday in politics, business, and our communities. All around there are those with malicious perspectives and self-serving tendencies.

What is missing from the long list of accomplishments for today’s leaders? What does it take for leaders to get on the right track? There are a few ways that leaders can achieve real success.

First, leaders must commit to building alliances and coalitions. While some consider it a grand accomplishment if to wield power and influence, it’s probably more reasonable to gain a following by connecting with constituents, clients, and comrades. Imagine if leaders really took the time to engage their communities and listen to concerns?

Second, a commitment to carrying out a solid action plan is imperative. Only with a carefully scripted and scoped vision will leaders bring about real change they seek. They must focus on clear goals and reduce all distractions to bring about greater ambiguity.

Finally, developing leadership success requires tenacity. In short, it means staying the course from start to finish. Without the resolve to do more or go the distance then little will be accomplished. With leaders who stay the course and stay “in the game” then there might be a chance to turn around the leadership deficit.

If our leaders took time out today discovered the real antidote for solid leadership then maybe we might all be the better for it.

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The Tapestry of a Leader

dawnmccoy — Thu, 09 Apr 2009 17:53:54 +0000

One man’s junk certainly is another man’s treasure. Who can imagine that grabbing refuse from the discard pile would be of value? Only those who gain the insight to look beyond the immediate can value the possibilities. More often than not these include true visionaries and leaders.

Let me further illustrate because the point is quite choice. By taking scraps of fabric and weaving them together, a splendid quilt cover and wall tapestry can be designed. This is an art form and talent that has run in my family for generations. I marvel at how my mother, grandmother, and aunts created spectacular art from seeming disarray. They blended different textures and colors together to exude a certain image and message. Other times they added embellishments to convey a unique message. Sometimes there were a variety of thread colors and alterations to the fabric made to accentuate and draw attention to certain areas. Bottom line: make something remarkable from nothing.

By the same token, good leaders take what they are provided and make something wonderful. All the answers may not be there at the time of decisions to be made. Yet, they gather the pieces and make the best of it to find solutions. Each leader must reach within to draw upon and compile collective experiences. Once pulled together themes start to emerge. Life lessons are there hidden within the scrap piles. A testimony emerges once the parts are assembled to impart wisdom about untold insights. These are not always accomplishments but sometimes mistakes, adversity, and triumphs.

Have you recently looked in your scrap pile? Take a look and you just might be pleasantly surprised by the tapestry within.

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