When I was invited to do an AFP Monday Take Over, I chose to address something I’ve navigated throughout my career: what it means to be Black and authentic in predominantly white fundraising spaces.
The Authenticity Question
The advice to “bring your authentic self to work” sounds empowering. But for many of us, it’s more complicated than that. Authenticity in a context where your presence is already marked as different involves constant calibration.
Questions I’ve asked myself over the years:
- How much of my perspective is “too much” for this room?
- When is my directness seen as leadership versus aggression?
- How do I maintain my integrity while navigating spaces not designed for me?
- What parts of my cultural expression are welcomed, tolerated, or penalized?
What I’ve Learned
After decades in this field, I’ve come to understand that authenticity isn’t about being the same person in every room. It’s about being in integrity—acting in alignment with your values even when you make strategic choices about presentation.
I’ve also learned that the burden shouldn’t fall entirely on individuals. Organizations committed to equity need to examine whose “authenticity” is celebrated and whose is corrected.
For the Next Generation
To younger Black fundraisers: find your people, protect your energy, and know that your presence in these spaces matters—even when it’s exhausting. The field needs your perspective, not a performance of what you think they want.
