Personal Reflection: Speaking Truth to Power
The Magnolia Journal: Volume 1, Issue 1 – January 2025
The new year often brings with it an invitation to reflect—not only on where we’re going but on where we’ve been. As I step into this chapter of growth and possibility, I find myself grappling with the wounds I’ve carried from spaces meant to uplift but that sometimes cause harm.
In the world of social justice and advocacy, we fight for liberation while navigating systems and organizations that don’t always reflect the values we champion. I’ve experienced the weight of harm in these spaces—the kind that leaves you questioning your worth, your voice, and your place in the work.
Stepping into this new chapter of growth and possibility, means healing from harm I have suffered while reflecting on where I may have caused harm to others…
For me, this harm has looked like being dismissed, undervalued, and silenced in moments when I was most vulnerable. It’s come in the form of decisions made without care, environments that prioritized ego over healing, and the unspoken expectation that to stay in the fight, you must accept the pain.
But I’ve learned that healing is not just a personal journey; it’s a collective one. The work of liberation must begin within our own spaces. We cannot build movements rooted in justice if we do not also build spaces that center care, accountability, and humanity.
This is why I am so committed to reflective leadership—not as a buzzword but as a practice. It’s about creating room for self-awareness, holding ourselves accountable for the harm we may cause, and fostering environments where people can thrive, not just survive.
“We cannot build movements rooted in justice if we do not also build spaces that center care, accountability, and humanity.”
As I reflect on my own experiences, I’m reminded of the strength it takes to speak truth to power—not just externally, but within our own movements. This reflection is not one and done. It’s the start of an ongoing dialogue—a conversation I’ll continue to have in the months to come because there are still truths that need to be told, and lessons we must learn together.
If this resonates with you, I’ll be launching a series of reflective leadership trainings in early 2025. These sessions will focus on fostering self-awareness, accountability, and healing-centered practices. If you’re interested in learning more or hosting a training, feel free to reach out. Together, we can create a culture of leadership that truly reflects our values.
