A Blessing: Women of Color Teaming Up to Lead, Empower and Thrive

by Bonita C Stewart, Jacqueline Adams

MP3 CD Format A Blessing presents a fresh, bold analysis of African American female leadership. An unapologetic look at our often-overlooked role in America's social, political, psychological and economic history, it is armed with data that should be empowering for today's "unicorns."

The book offers a "playbook" to help Black unicorns "team up" and find innovative ways to support one another as they climb, what research shows, are lonely, stressful, jagged yet ultimately rewarding ladders of opportunity.

Kindle Edition

Published October 15, 2020

Reviews

[Jamie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent read. Critical research and inspiring stories about the grit and strength of women of color and their inevitable trail to success.

[Rachel Adams · Rating 5 out of 5]

This memoir/research study is something I wish I had as the only Black manager in my company for 2+ years. The messages around the importance of knowing your worth are a source of comfort and encouragement, but the authors also offer concrete and actionable steps for both Women of Color and allies alike. I highly recommend to Black female-identified millennials!

[MCA · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful and with data that truly A Blessing

[Bethanie Baynes · Rating 5 out of 5]

While devouring this book, I felt like I was privy to the most natural of fireside chats filled with personal and professional stories, perfectly interwoven, to deliver so much hope and inspiration. While the narrative was gripping, the insights enlightening (particularly the multi-generational lens of the proprietary study), what I found the most thought-provoking was the Living Log aspect. Not only did this provide a framework and project plan to reflect on each topic, as a white woman, I paused multiple times when there were questions uniquely directed toward Black women or people of color. Have I ever had this experience? How might POC answer this? Are there times where I can exert my privilege to support POC in these situations? The overarching rally cry of this book, to Team Up, was perfectly explained through Bonita's story of bringing her ladies to watch Misty Copeland perform at the ballet. I cried! Brava, Jackie & Bonita for bringing your stories to life, introducing us to so many incredible leaders across a variety of industries and providing thought-provoking guidance for all; this is a must read for any age, any gender, any color, any background and any level of career!

[Charissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

As I progress into the second wave of my career, I wanted to read this book to understand the paths that have been presented to me and how to logically and methodically decide on which road to take. Throughout my career, I never felt like I was at a disadvantage in any move that I made. Maybe because of my analytical mind not allowing me to accept that exclusionary factors could possibly overtake clear and evident examples of high performance and successful results. While reading this book, it opened my eyes up to areas around me where I may have still been able to succeed at somewhat the pace that I appreciated but also see people at levels equal or higher than me that have also climbed at the same pace with no where near the same successes. I am very much apart of the “only” group and now that I am at a position that others are looking to me for advise, this book really brought to light what I need to work on. I have been running this race with my head down for such a long time. It is now the time to look up. My favorite and most relevant quote in this book is “You don’t have to do everything now!  Save some of your goals and objectives for later.  As long as you’re alive, there can still be new ideas, more mountains to climb, more greatness to experience and more good to give.” The interviews with Depelsha McGruder were spot on, and something I would like to emulate myself.

[Yolanda Paptie · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the most inspiring books I have ever read. I am so glad that I picked this book up and have added it to my collection.

This is, simply, an amazing representation; reflection; involvement; and resourceful strategy for black women and our allies.

I - cannot say enough how influential this book is. I call it a must read.

[Jacqueline Adams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspiring, data-rich, an excellent playbook for women of color and their allies of all genders and races!