Power can be a hell of a drug. In the wrong hands, it can break an organization when displayed as poor leadership. The saying goes that stereotypes come from some source of truth. So how do we break the stereotype regarding black peoples in power? Or is there any truth in it?

We’ve all had experiences with bosses that may or may not have been bad for various reasons. Maybe it was a clash of personalities, lack of respect from either or both parties, or possibly a lack of experience and exposure. Whatever the case, too often we, as black men and women, encounter these experiences with one of “us”.

If we look into our Black American history, there’s an ugly truth about those of us who were given a sense of power when our ancestors were enslaved. The term “House Negro” was attached to those who had a leadership role inside of the slave owner’s home. Whether the head butler, house manager or authority figure over other dishes, this individual was often looked down upon from those of the same ancestry. Is this same mentality still haunting us today? Do we project negative feelings towards those who look like us with this same mindset?

Maybe if we had a family history of leadership opportunities we’d be better prepared? Or if we were given the same opportunities as our counterparts with Gaborone work twice as hard we’d be able to let our guards down to perform as our best selves. Whatever the answer is, there’s one thing we know for sure. We are just as capable as any others. Black Power doesn’t signify a dark situation, no pun intended. Instead, let’s be ready to assume our roles as the Kings and Queens we were destined to be.

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