What is authentic power? What is authentic empowerment? As we understand these concepts more fully, we step closer to truly empowering others, and exercising power in the workplace. Although we live in a democracy that claims to economically empower black people, there is a risk of corporate roles being assigned through inadequate fast tracking or as token gestures. This has resulted in a continuing and devastating commodification of black women that is unsustainable. Rise Black Ocean reflects both on what power is and on the position of black women as entrepreneurs, corporate leaders, and professionals, who face a unique struggle in corporate South Africa.
Out of the huts of history’s shame, I rise. Up from a past that’s rooted in pain, I rise. I’m a black ocean, leaping and wide, welling and swelling I bear in the tide.
from the poem “Still i Rise”
Maya angelou
camilla pontiggia 