Why Unity is Essential Right Now
Equity leaders are adjusting to a new normal. The air feels charged with division. Now more than ever, we need something that unites us with purpose.
We already see leaders speaking out, but what they need most is not just to be heard; they need others to stand with them. While division seeks to fracture, unity has the power to rebuild and resist.
The Power of Collective Action
What does it mean to be part of a collective? It means letting go of “me” in favor of “we,” recognizing that when like-minded organizations come together, they create a force that can shake foundations. As equity leaders, we can’t just believe in this power we have to live by it. At Buoyant, we connect clients within the equity space to build bridges. When our clients work together, their mission goes beyond individual victories. They become part of a much larger, meaningful shift.
Solidarity in Shared Values
History has given us powerful stories of solidarity that redefined the fight for justice in America.
In the 1960s, the Chicano and Black Power movements found common ground. Leaders Cesar Chavez and Martin Luther King Jr. recognized the shared challenges faced by Black and Latino communities.
Chávez, leading the United Farm Workers (UFW), focused on labor rights for farmworkers, predominantly of Mexican descent, while King concentrated on civil rights for African Americans.
In 1966, King sent a telegram to Chávez expressing solidarity, stating, "As brothers in the fight for equality, I extend the hand of fellowship and goodwill and wish continuing success to you and your members."
Additionally, in 1968, when Chavez undertook his 25-day fast to promote nonviolence, King sent another message of support, which underscored their shared values and commitment to nonviolent activism.
What people and organizations do you share values with? Will you reach out to them today to offer support and solidarity?
How Equity Leaders Can Forge New Partnerships
For those in the equity space who feel the urgency of creating change, the question is: how do you find and work with allies? How do you build a coalition that, while diverse in voices and perspectives, moves forward with the same heart and mission?
1. Seek Common Values: What does everyone in the room stand for? It doesn’t have to be the same mission but should be a shared respect for justice, community, and transformation.
2. Create Spaces for Connection: Often, the most transformative ideas come when people from different backgrounds sit at the same table. Dialogue fosters understanding and action.
3. Build on Strengths, Not Similarities: Embrace each partner’s unique abilities. From logistical powerhouses to those who excel in advocacy, a coalition thrives when every strength is put to good use.
4. Commit to Transparency: Unity requires trust. Clear communication and transparency are the glue that holds coalitions together. Make sure everyone knows the goals and their role within them.
5. Lead Together, Not Alone: Leadership isn’t about one voice at the front; it’s about raising the voices around you. Sharing leadership cultivates a sense of belonging and accountability.
Embracing Unity Amid Uncertainty
Right now, it’s easy to feel disconnected, isolated, even overwhelmed by a sense of division. But remember: unity has the power to build something far greater than the sum of its parts. Buoyant stands with you as a connector, rallying voices that, together, can counteract division. We believe in collective action not only to achieve goals but to transform what’s possible for everyone involved.
If there’s one truth that history shows us, it’s that solidarity holds the potential to rewrite stories. When we unite, the ripple effect is unstoppable. So, let's start today. Find allies, embrace the power of our collective voice, and know that we are a force to be reckoned with.
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