Being Black in a White State: What It Means to Belong | Courtney Daniel | TEDxPortsmouth

TL;DR

Learn how to thrive in a new community, even if you stand out, by building connections, creating opportunities, and embracing your own passions.

Transcript

all states are not created equal I live in a place where people say there are no black people and there is no diversity but I'm here and I'm not just here I am thriving many of us are here in New Hampshire we have our first black female Federal Magistrate Judge our first black female assistant mayor and our first black male Sheriff so how do we the... Read More

Key Insights

• 👶 Diversity and a sense of belonging are important factors in thriving in a new community.
• 🏛️ Building connections and finding shared interests can help create a sense of community and belonging.
• 🥺 Taking initiative and creating opportunities for oneself can lead to personal growth and a greater sense of belonging.

Questions & Answers

Q: How did the speaker feel when she first moved to New Hampshire?

The speaker felt like an outsider and struggled with feelings of not belonging, which caused her to slide into a depression.

Q: What challenges did the speaker face in finding resources and connections in her community?

The speaker had to drive long distances for services like hair salons and had limited options for networking events or radio stations that matched her interests.

Q: How did the speaker create connections and opportunities within her community?

She started teaching dance classes, organizing card making workshops, and hosting a radio show to connect with people who shared her passions and interests.

Q: How did the speaker's perspective on her new community change over time?

Although she initially felt like an outsider, the speaker gradually found her place and felt a sense of belonging through the connections and opportunities she created.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The speaker moved to New Hampshire, where she initially struggled to find diversity and connections within her community.

• She had to travel long distances for hair salons, networking events, and even radio stations that catered to her interests.

• Despite the challenges, she found ways to build her own community by teaching dance classes, organizing card making workshops, and hosting a radio show.