A GenZ Activist: Unpacking the ‘Strong Black Woman’ Narrative Within the Ivy League

 Unfortunately, none of the politicians I had contacted, or any of the Deans of Law at different universities had the availability to be interviewed during the course of my Fall semester. Therefore, for my podcast, I was given the opportunity to interview Selam Woldai, Vice President of the Diversity and Inclusion Committee on the Student Assembly. Going into this assignment, I was incredibly excited because I felt that many of my classmates would have interviews with those who have more experience in politics and law, so I felt as though I was gaining a fairly unique perspective given that my Black Women of interest is only nineteen years old. On the other hand, I was expecting to face some challenges along the way. Since, this assignment was more so meant for me to interact with a Black Woman that already had an extensive resume, and experience in politics and/or law, there was more work to do on my end given that I had planned on interviewing an undergraduate student on Cornell’s Student Assembly. It was very early in the podcast when Selam had referenced experiences that are parallel to those experienced by not only some of the women that my classmates have been interviewing, but also with those that we have discussed in class from readings, and one of which in particular from my group presentation on Caribbean Women in politics.

In the podcast, Selam and I not only discussed her fears in pursuing her political aspirations, but we also discussed the “Strong Black Woman” narrative often pushed by media outlets, what it means to be a Black Woman on Cornell’s Student Assembly, and how that shapes her leadership style. For example, the president of the Student Assembly, is much more cautious when speaking than she was originally during Student Assembly meetings, because the male voting members are very outspoken, judgmental, and quick to criticize her for anything she says if it is not worded perfectly. Selam also made some interesting points allowing me to address and own any subliminal biases I may hold as a Black Man, and also allowing me to understand the pressures, dangers, and obstacles that Black Women face on a daily basis. She spoke of a time a man in a gas station shouted provocatives at her in a convenience store, and she was so terrified even after he left the store, she hid in one of the aisles until her Uber came to take her home. In contrast, as a man, I never have to worry about the dangers of me turning anyone down whether it be for a date, or a favor in public. When we went deeper into conversation, I noted that Selam particularly had views similar to the late Brazilian politician Marielle Franco. I found it incredibly interesting that Selam had noted that her marginalized identities are interlocking, and not to be separated to be compared with one another, a topic that was specifically spoken about in the assigned Franco reading.

Overall, I am incredibly grateful to have spoken to Selam Woldai, and been able to understand her through a different lens. In unpacking the “Strong Black Woman” narrative, I was personally able to point out a pattern of men making it their goal to “protect” Black Women, but only at our simplest convenience. As stated during towards the end of the interview, most of my conversations with Selam in the past have been in casual, informal environments. Thus, I am incredibly grateful to have been able to talk with her as I feel like our thorough conversation not only enhanced our perspectives, but also piqued our curiosity in how we continue to navigate the world, and establish change in spaces that weren’t created for us.