In times of silencing and erasure, messaging becomes more than just words—it becomes a tool of survival, resistance, and transformation. Black history provides a blueprint for creative and strategic leadership, showing us how messaging has been used to mobilize, empower, and sustain movements. From the Civil Rights Movement to the wisdom embedded in Black folklore, the stories we tell ourselves and the narratives we share with others shape our ability to lead and to create lasting change.
Messaging as a Leadership Imperative
One of the core pillars of The Nu Equitable Leader Framework© is messaging—the intentional use of language, stories, and narratives to drive change. Messaging is not just about external communication; it is also about the internal beliefs we hold, the values we uphold, and the narratives we pass on. In a society where voices are increasingly being silenced—through book bans, the rollback of DEI initiatives, and the suppression of truth-telling—leaders must be deliberate about the messages they amplify and protect.
Black history offers a profound well of wisdom on how messaging has shaped resistance and resilience. From the powerful speeches of civil rights leaders to the coded messages embedded in Black folklore, our history teaches us that words, when wielded with intention, have the power to sustain movements and disrupt oppressive structures.
The Civil Rights Movement: Messaging as a Strategy for Change
The Civil Rights Movement was built on strategic messaging that galvanized communities and challenged injustice. Leaders like Ella Baker emphasized grassroots organizing, reminding people that "strong people don’t need strong leaders." This messaging empowered everyday individuals to see themselves as agents of change. Slogans like "We Shall Overcome" and "Black Power" were more than rallying cries; they were declarations of collective strength and vision. The movement's success wasn’t just in its actions but in its ability to shape a powerful, unified narrative of justice.
Black Folklore: Wisdom in the Stories We Carry
Beyond organized movements, Black folklore has long served as a vehicle for messaging, embedding leadership lessons and strategies for survival within seemingly simple tales. Take, for instance, the stories of Br’er Rabbit—a trickster character from African American folklore passed down through oral tradition. These stories were not just entertainment; they were cultural tools used to teach lessons on resilience, adaptability, and the importance of outsmarting oppressive systems when brute force was not an option.
One of the most famous Br’er Rabbit stories is "The Tar Baby"—a tale in which Br’er Rabbit, confronted with a seemingly inescapable trap, uses wit and reverse psychology to outmaneuver his opponent. For enslaved people who heard these stories, the message was clear: when brute force isn’t an option, strategic thinking and narrative control become tools of liberation. The fact that these stories were passed down orally highlights the power of messaging in preserving knowledge, equipping future generations with wisdom, and resisting oppression.
The Leadership Mandate: Guarding and Shaping Messaging Today
In our current social climate, where truth itself is under attack, leaders have a responsibility to be intentional about messaging. What narratives are we amplifying? What stories are we allowing to shape our beliefs and our work? What truths are we ensuring do not get erased?
As leaders, we must:
Be stewards of history: Ensuring that the stories of those who fought for justice before us are not erased or diluted.
Challenge false narratives: When efforts arise to distort or erase history, we must respond with clarity and conviction.
Own our internal messaging: Recognize that the narratives we tell ourselves influence how we show up in the world.
Use messaging as a tool for empowerment: Speak truth even when inconvenient, and ensure that the next generation inherits a legacy of unapologetic truth-telling.
Black history reminds us that messaging is never neutral—it either fortifies movements or suppresses them. As we continue to lead, let’s ask ourselves: What messages are we shaping, and how will they be remembered?
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