Too often people assume that leaders come pre-wired with a knack for helping others. Sadly, this is far from the truth in so many communities. How is it that there must be training about being a resource for others? Why do many leaders forget the most reward part of being a leader, serving others?
Thankfully, Black History month 2012 provided an opportunity to reflect about the great leaders who paved the way with a legacy of service to others. In fact, community leadership runs deep among many African American leaders.
If we pause to look at the contributions of Frederick Douglass we can see the pattern of service. He was not only an orator but a leader who took time to give back and help others. In his commitment to uplift others, he left behind teachings and wisdom. In turn, he created a legacy to help others.
In the same way, the late Underground Railroad conductor Harriet Tubman did her part too. History reflects about her role leading others to freedom. But, what is not often told is that she led others safely north on repeated occasions with a spirit of service. It was her role as a servant-leader that made her contributions and leadership so significant.
Finally, reflections about service would not be complete without considering the late Rosa Parks. With her quiet grace and fortitude she sat silently and sent a message that she was a servant. On that day in 1955, she sat without words. She sat without resistance when she was arrested. Instead she sat down to stand up in as a way to be of service to others. Today, we can only imagine the far-reaching impact of that act of courage.
As the Association for the Study of African American Life and History and others recognize the Black History Month theme celebrating contributions of African American women in the Black History Month 2012, it is an opportunity to celebrate community service of these leaders. If more leaders would take greater strides serve others then maybe there could be a path for the next generation of leaders to do the same.
Dawn McCoy
author of Leadership Building Blocks: An Insider’s Guide to Success
