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America is currently experiencing a complex shift. It stands at the “precipice of possibility,” where the dreams of those who lived before us intersect with the lives of people in the world today. As Amira Barger, Author, Contributing Writer and Guest, MSNBC and Fast Company, put it, “we find ourselves standing at a unique precipice.”
That was the main message during Barger’s keynote titled the “Precipice of Possibility” at Fair360’s 7th annual Women of Color and Their Allies event. It took place virtually on October 8. Barger acknowledged the challenging shifts facing America. It can be painful at times, but it is also filled with hope and opportunity.
“It is also filled … with the momentum to reimagine who we are and who we can become,” Barger said.
She shared a story from her childhood to set the tone for the conversation. Barger grew up on the island of Guam. She referred to it as “the place where America’s day begins because it’s right on the equator.”
Barger said the ocean “was her backyard.” When she was 11, the age her daughter is today, she swam with sharks for the first time. She experienced many emotions at once during that swim. There was a rush of adrenaline and uncertainty, along with thrill and fear. Despite these feelings, she said it was the most alive she had ever felt.
Some might think swimming with sharks is one of the most frightening experiences in a child’s life. However, Barger said it “pales in comparison to navigating life as a Black woman in America.”
Swimming with Sharks: An Analogy for Being a Black Woman in America
Black women may feel that navigating life is more challenging than swimming with sharks. According to Barger, their experience in America is anything but straightforward. She described feeling pulled in different directions, like being caught in strong currents. Black women often face added pressure to prove their worth. They also grapple with fears of being misunderstood.
She added that “navigating the complex waters of society as a Black woman” is complex, unsettling, unpredictable and it can be dangerous.
“I share this story because we’re all on the brink of something very powerful in this moment,” Barger said. “We’re swimming in new currents, some turbulent, some calm, but all filled with the potential to redefine what it means to be truly free, truly equal and truly our chosen selves in this world.”
Amplifying Silenced Voices
The “transformational wave” in America is being led by those whose voices were once not seen. By people who were once not heard. Barger said this made her think of Vice President Kamala Harris, “who stands as a beacon of what is possible when barriers are broken and when silenced voices are amplified.”
Barger added that Harris is “the embodiment of a movement,” embodying the “precipice of possibility.”
“A movement creating a monumental platform for all women, especially women of color, to stand on,” she said. “And for centuries, women, especially women of color, have faced a constant climb, an uphill battle where the path to leadership was a mountain. There was no clear trail, no trail markings, and Kamala Harris’ rise is not just about politics; it’s a paradigm shift in how we see leadership and power in our institutions and in this country.”
By serving in one of the highest offices in the country, Harris sends a powerful message. She shows young Black girls and South Asian girls that they have a seat at the table. Barger added that their voices are heard and valued.
Watch the full video recording for more insights and visit our WOCA 2024 event page!