DearNextGen Black Male Leaders:Can we talk? Brother to brother? Heart to heart?

Ive been thinking of you. With all thats happening in our communities, in our education system, in our political and justice systems, there is no shortage of social justice issues that require our immediate attention.ButI couldnt be more proud nor am I surprised by the fact that Black men all around us have risen to the occasion.

BrotherSharif El-Mekki is doing an amazing job bringing attention and action to increasing the number of Black males inside the preK through 12th grade education space. Brother and State Representative Jordan Harris is turning the criminal justice system on its head while Brother Malcolm Jenkins and Brother Howard Stevenson are other great examplesdoing phenomenal work.

L to r: Sharif El-Mekki; State Rep. Jordan Harris; Malcolm Jenkins; and Howard Stevenson. (Photos: LinkedIn profiles; Rep. Jordans website.)

Time and space dont permit me to shoutout every Black male who is making arealdifference for our belovedcommunity.At the same time, we acknowledge the countless men of color who are giving back and advancing our communities whether they have formal titles or not.The point is, asexecutive director of a leading education nonprofit in Philadelphia, Im fortunate to share the leadership space with so many thoughtful and dedicated Black men across our city. Black men who are working diligently to right the wrongs of injustice and reversing inequities faced by so many.

Because of this, I dont have to tell you there is a place of fierce urgency that we as leaders must operate fromwhile looking ahead towards a vision for a better tomorrow.

To the young brothers rising in the ranks: we see you.We need you.The leadership positions held byme and others need successors and we need to apply the same sense of urgency to passing the mantle to our brothers up-and-coming.We also need you to start your own organizations as answers to these persisting issues.

We know that the perspectives to approaching and tackling the challenges of our society are broadened andopento even more innovation when Black men are involved. Oftentimes we bring first-hand experience of being impacted by social injustices. Other times, wevebeen recipients of the services that are in place to correct disparities. As a result, we contribute auniqueempathy and understanding to the audiences we serve.Thesecontributions then translate intomoreequitablepolicies and decision-making.

Finally, havingbrothers like yourselfreadyto take the baton is importantasit reinforces the notion of see us to be us.Seeing more Black men in leadership roles, hearing from more, understanding what they do, and why, willshowthose coming up behindyouthatholding positions of leadership is obtainable for us.Not only is it obtainable, butI have no doubtyouallwill takethings to new and greater heights.

Still, assuming leadership as a Black male is not an easy feat. From my own experience, I can tell you that youll encounter everything from having to educate on why statements and messaging are problematic for their racist content, to being considered threatening enough to have job offers made to you unsolicited just to move you out of your position. You may even be penalizedfor being unable to meet unrealistic goals.

Theres also the seemingly never-ending judgment of your ability to be in leadership; to contribute intelligently or intellectually to whats going on. While the notion of Imposter Syndrome is widely attributed to women in business, I can assure you it applies regardless ofgender.

Mydream for you:shake it off. Use the resilience youve built over the years and utilize the support systems youve had in family or close friends. Those systems will still be there andwillplay an important role in how you moveand evolveas a leader.

Trust in yourself, your skills, and what you bring to the table.

I also hope you will know what its like to be affirmed in leadership. In my case, Ive been championed by board members, lifted up and advocated for by supervisors, and room has been made for me to grow and flourish throughout my career. Likewise, Id be remiss if I didnt shout out initiatives like the Urban League of Philadelphias PhiladelphiaAfrican-American Leadership Development Forum, a consistent and invaluable support system for meand others.

To my brothers, as men of color in leadership, there are days where youll be alone in whatever decision youre making, plan youre implementing, or idea you are building buy-in for. All of this comes with your role as a leader.

When that happens, trust in yourself, your skills,and what you bring to the table.Surround yourself with people of color from this world, the business arena,and other areas along with others who are willing to pour into you. Start/continue learning from them in big and small ways as well as intentional and coincidental ways.

I cant wait to see all that youre going toaccomplish,and I look forward to supporting you as thechangemakers you are.

Yours in service,

DarrylBundrige

More:

Brother to brother: An open letter to the next generation of Black male leaders - Generocity