Viola Davis and Michelle Obama: Why BlackWomenMagic Inspires me to Pay It Forward

This is my first Medium entry and has been on my mind and in my heart longer than anything should. I’ve contemplated how it should be written, in what forum it should be presented and what images should be used…basically overthinking it.

But after watching and re-watching Michelle Obama’s amazing speech Monday Night, there was no way I could let the week end without getting it out. Not that this post has anything to do with her speech, but just the feeling of pride seeing someone who looks like me rally the country was beyond inspiring.

Before I landed my current job, armed with 10 years of PR experience and a masters degree from Georgetown, I spent months setting up meetings, knocking on doors, sending out résumés and joining countless listservs waiting for the chance to be chosen — to be able to say, “Hi, my name is Tonya and I’m the (insert job title) for (insert company).” Those form emails explaining that although I’m talented, I’ve not been selected for this position or that position had become all too frequent.

And then I heard the speech. Viola Davis at the 2015 Emmys. The line she talked about trying to get over…I knew it well.

“The only thing that separates women of color from anyone else is opportunity,” said Davis.

“You cannot win an Emmy for roles that are simply not there.”

I’d never auditioned for a movie or television show, but I knew her struggle and disappointment.

Fast forward to spring 2016 and I finally landed a job. I’m elated! It was due to deciding to exercise my faith and some amazing women praying for me, looking out for me and encouraging me. (Shout out to ColorComm!)

I’m filled with gratitude that someone who looks like me gave me the opportunity to prove that I could play a valuable role in a company. So now, it’s my duty to pass it on and try my best to create opportunities for others as much as possible.

When I saw those women stand on their stages in victory, I knew that I have to keep pushing toward success. I can’t afford to be tired and frustrated. I’ve got to keep striving for new opportunities and I absolutely must pay it forward.

Just as Michelle Obama and Viola Davis inspired me with their words, I must do the same for others.