The President's Message 2/3/25
Leadership is a powerful act of planting and nurturing growth, echoing the themes in Nikki Giovanni’s poem BLK History Month. This blog celebrates the transformative impact of Black leaders, honoring their role in fostering inclusion, driving change, and affirming that everyone has a place and purpose in the world.
Ms. Quadai Palmer
2/3/20252 min read
BLK History Month –Nikki Giovanni
If Black History Month is not
viable then wind does not
carry the seeds and drop them
on fertile ground
rain does not
dampen the land
and encourage the seeds
to root
sun does not
warm the earth
and kiss the seedlings
and tell them plain:
You’re As Good As Anybody Else
You’ve Got A Place Here, Too
As leaders, we know that the work of cultivating growth—whether in individuals, teams, or communities—is both delicate and powerful. It mirrors the natural cycles of planting and nurturing described in Nikki Giovanni’s poem BLK History Month. Her words remind us that every act of leadership is an act of planting seeds, of fostering the belief that everyone has a place and a purpose in the world.
Leadership, like history, is a story of perseverance. It’s about carrying the seeds of change, dropping them on fertile ground, and nurturing them into something greater than ourselves. Giovanni’s imagery—of wind, rain, and sun working in harmony to bring life—parallels the collaborative effort required to lead effectively. Each decision we make, each opportunity we offer, and each voice we amplify contributes to a broader ecosystem of growth.
For Black leaders, this truth carries particular resonance. In a world that has often tried to overshadow or undervalue Black contributions, leadership becomes not just a role but a calling.
It is a declaration that we belong, that our voices matter, and that our stories are essential to the broader narrative. Giovanni’s words, “You’re As Good As Anybody Else / You’ve Got A Place Here, Too,” are more than encouragement—they are a charge.
As we celebrate Black History Month, let us reflect on the shoulders we stand upon. Leaders like Mary McLeod Bethune, Thurgood Marshall, and Shirley Chisholm planted seeds in soil that was often hard and unyielding. They didn’t simply hope for change; they made it happen. Their work reminds us that leadership is both a privilege and a responsibility—a responsibility to make space for others, to build systems that nurture growth, and to ensure that everyone feels the warmth of inclusion.
Today, as Black leaders in a diverse and dynamic world, our work continues. We are the wind carrying seeds of innovation, the rain softening the ground for new ideas, and the sun encouraging others to rise and thrive. Whether we’re mentoring the next generation, advocating for equity, or driving systemic change, we are part of the cycle that sustains progress.
Giovanni’s poem serves as a powerful reminder that leadership is not only about achieving results but about affirming the value of every person we encounter. Our position in the leadership world is not merely a seat at the table—it’s an opportunity to plant seeds that will grow for generations to come.
On your leadership journey this month and beyond, carry this truth with you: you are part of something bigger. Your work matters, your presence matters, and your leadership is helping to shape a future where everyone knows, “You’ve Got A Place Here, Too.”