The air buzzes with anticipation as graduation season sweeps across the nation. Proud families gather, cameras at the ready, to capture the triumphant smiles of graduates donning caps and gowns—images of effortless accomplishment. But for me, this year held a deeper truth. Graduation wasn’t just a culmination but a testament to the ongoing battles we face, not just in academia but within ourselves.
As a councilwoman, I tirelessly advocate for my constituents, seeking to effect real change in my community. But beyond the bustling chambers and community meetings lies a quieter victory: the recent completion of my doctorate. In my dissertation, “Black Women and Social Movements: A Narrative Analysis,” I aimed to rectify a historical oversight: Black women’s contributions to social justice movements have been largely undocumented, their voices erased from the narrative. My research explored their experiences and resilience, highlighting the power they bring to the fight for equality—a journey achieved while navigating the relentless demands of public service, the rigorous world of academia, and the process of understanding my cognitive strengths.
Fueled by a thirst for knowledge, I began my doctoral studies in 2018. Little did I know that a global pandemic would upend the world just months later. The crowded halls of academia gave way to the quiet hum of virtual classrooms, yet my intellectual fire remained undimmed.
In 2020, my academic pursuit was joined by an exciting new challenge: a calling to serve my community as an elected government official. Hitting the campaign trail was an exhilarating whirlwind. I made connections with residents, learning their concerns and aspirations. I spent early mornings on strategizing campaign tactics, and dedicated stolen moments between meetings to reviewing course material. Weekends, once a time for relaxation, became a race against the clock as I balanced voter outreach with looming research deadlines.
Earning the trust of my constituents and securing a Council seat the following year was an unforgettable honor. However, the victory was quickly followed by a daunting reality of balancing coursework demands, the responsibilities of a councilwoman, and the explosion of my personal life.
Suddenly, I received an ADHD diagnosis. While validating my experiences, navigating its complexities coincided with the challenges of unhealthy relationships and offered unwelcome distractions from my coursework. Systemic inequalities made it even harder to get the help I needed. Finding a therapist who understood ADHD and the specific challenges Black women face felt like searching for a unicorn. The stigma about mental health didn’t help, either. Every time I considered reaching out for help, a voice in my head whispered, “You should be able to handle this on your own.” With each new hurdle, the feeling of self-doubt grew louder, threatening to drown out everything else. Yet, through it all, the stories I followed in my dissertation became a constant source of strength, inspiring me to persevere to the end of my doctoral program.
Throughout my study, I had the privilege of interviewing three prominent Black women activists. With each encounter, I delved into the narratives of these remarkable women, gaining profound insights into their experiences and contributions to social justice movements. Some veterans of movements for decades, and others were starting their journeys. Each woman spoke with a refreshing layer of raw honesty—discussing the sting of underestimation, the micro-aggressions that chipped away at their confidence, and the moments when they questioned if their voices even mattered. And yet, they persevered. Their unwavering resilience became a guiding light throughout my doctoral journey; a true testament to the power of perseverance in the face of adversity.
Intriguingly, my study found that pain served as a powerful motivator for these Black women to engage in activism. It wasn’t just the pain of personal hardship, but the collective pain of witnessing injustice against their communities, social rejection, and racial battle fatigue. However, this pain wasn’t despair. They redefined it and fueled a wellspring of strength and determination to fight for change. Their stories became a testament to the transformative power of struggle—a powerful echo resonating within my own experience.
Like them, I, too, faced skepticism in academia—subtle jabs questioning my ability to juggle the council chambers with doctoral pursuits; the pressure to excel in both worlds, compounded by the ever-present fog of life’s chaos, juggling constituent meetings and dissertation research, left me feeling like I was constantly treading water. But within the women’s voices, I heard a calling, a divine purpose that resonated deeply with my own. Each spoke of drawing strength from the challenges they endured. These burdens served as a transformative fire, fueling their fight for a just world—a torch we now share.
The work became more than finishing a dissertation; it became about adding my voice to theirs, amplifying the stories of Black women fighting for justice everywhere. It became about proving, not just to the academic skeptics but to the little girl in me who once felt unseen, that our voices deserve to be heard.
Yes, there were moments of doubt, and nights fueled by coffee and sheer willpower. But there were also moments of profound connection, a realization that the fire for justice burns bright in the hearts of countless Black women. Those who defied societal norms and raised their voices even when they trembled. The mothers who marched for their children’s futures, the educators who nurtured young minds, the activists who dared to dream of a more just world. That’s the fire I cling to. It’s the fire that pushes me to continue to fight for justice.
As I look back on this journey of success, I realize that this is not entirely my own. It’s a continuation of the struggle and triumph of those who came before you. The resilience that courses through our veins is a gift—a legacy passed down from generations of Black women who refused to surrender. Every step we take, every hurdle we clear, is a testament to their sacrifices and victories. We are the echoes of their dreams, the living embodiment of a future they fought to bring about.
To the graduates, on that momentous day when you cross that stage, let this truth resonate within you: You carry the torch of warriors, the legacy of thinkers, the untamed spirit of dreamers. You are not alone. You are a vital thread in this powerful continuum. Stand tall, speak out, and let your light shine. Because in your success, we all rise. And let us all remember to trust the power within ourselves as we dare to do the impossible, for it is in those moments of courage that we find our own voices and the strength to keep fighting.
Dr. Nantasha Williams represents City Council District 27 and the communities of Cambria Heights, Hollis, Jamaica, St. Albans, Queens Village, Addisleigh Park, and Springfield Gardens.
