“We have to be doing two things ALL THE TIME.” Dr. Iris Cumberbatch

Black women have always been the backbone of our communities, the quiet strength that pushes us all forward. We’ve marched for our rights, fought for our children’s futures, and never stopped dreaming of a better world. Our voices echo through the halls of power and on the streets of our neighborhoods. I want to celebrate our journey – a story of resilience, strength, and unwavering hope. It’s a story of how Black women, like my sister Iris Cumberbatch, PhD and countless others, are shaping our country, one conversation, one act of advocacy at a time.

A Thought Leader’s Perspective

I recently had the pleasure of interviewing Iris, a Minneapolis seasoned financial services professional and political thought leader.  Her deep involvement in government affairs has given her a unique perspective on the evolution of Black women’s leadership. As we navigate the complexities of the political landscape and the upcoming election, her insights are particularly poignant.

Intersectionality: Navigating Our Complex Identities

Iris underscores the historical reality of our intersectional experiences as Black women. “We have to be doing two things ALL THE TIME,” she explains, reflecting on the constant balancing act of advocating for both Black rights and women’s rights simultaneously. From the suffragette movement to modern-day challenges, the choice between which fight to prioritize has been a persistent dilemma.

This duality often forces us to confront a painful reality: sometimes, the spaces where we fight for one aspect of our identity may not fully embrace another. Iris recalls a diversity training where she and other Black women found themselves uncomfortable discussing gender issues, highlighting how the historical need to prioritize racial justice can create a sense of distance from feminist spaces. This complexity shapes how we approach policy and advocacy, often leading us to center our Blackness first and foremost.

Challenges and Triumphs: Defying Systemic Barriers

The obstacles we face in influencing policy are deeply entrenched, stemming from systemic racism and sexism. “The reality is that Black people don’t wield influence in American society commensurate with our more than 500 years on these shores since Juan Garrido became the first documented Black person to arrive in what would become the US when he accompanied Ponce de Leon in search of the Fountain of youth in 1513, or by any other measure,” Iris observes. “So, that’s a challenge. Women don’t wield influence.” These systemic barriers create a double disadvantage, making our fight for recognition and power even more arduous.

Yet, in the face of these hurdles, Black women have consistently risen, driven by a determination that Iris aptly describes as “scrappy.” The Vice President’s words resonate deeply: “We are the underdogs.” This acknowledgment of the uphill battle fuels a strategic approach, a readiness to fight for every inch of progress. “It’s our tenacity, coupled with a keen understanding of the systemic barriers we face, that has led to remarkable achievements.” Iris states firmly.

The Evolution of Leadership: From Grassroots to the White House

Reflecting on her four decades of experience, Iris paints a vivid picture of transformation. She recalls her early career, where she helped bring Jesse Jackson’s Rainbow Coalition to her corporate stage in 1984. Now, she witnesses a Black woman holding the second-highest office in the country. It’s a powerful evolution that fills her with awe. But, she warns, we can’t get comfortable. Progress is a constant struggle, and history teaches us that every step forward often faces a backlash.

She points to the backlash against Reconstruction, the Civil Rights Movement, and even the Obama presidency as evidence of this pattern. It’s a reminder that the fight for justice and equality is an ongoing battle that requires constant vigilance and resilience.

Win With Black Women: A Force for Change

Iris’s optimism shines through as she discusses the impact of organizations like Win With Black Women.org. This powerful coalition of Black women leaders across various fields has demonstrated the transformative potential of collective action. Their strategic mobilization played a crucial role in securing not only the Vice President’s historic nomination, but also Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson. They continue to advocate for Black women’s representation at all levels of government.

Win With Black Women’s success highlights the growing political power of Black women and our ability to shape the national conversation. Their work serves as a ray of hope, demonstrating that when we organize and mobilize, we can overcome even the most entrenched barriers and create lasting change.

A Three-Legged Stool: A Holistic Approach to Policy

Iris’s metaphor of the three-legged stool encapsulates her profound understanding of the interconnectedness of the issues facing Black communities. Just as a stool needs all three legs to stand firm, she believes that true progress and empowerment necessitate a comprehensive approach that addresses economic, political, and social justice simultaneously.

• Economic Justice: This leg of the stool represents the bedrock of self-determination. It encompasses closing the wealth gap, ensuring access to quality jobs and fair wages, and fostering the growth of Black-owned businesses. “Economic empowerment is not just about individual prosperity; it’s about building thriving communities where everyone has the opportunity to achieve financial security and build a better future for themselves and their families,” Iris explains.
• Political Power: The second leg of the stool symbolizes the critical importance of political representation and participation. It’s about having a seat at the table where decisions are made, advocating for voting rights, ensuring fair elections, and supporting Black candidates and elected officials. “Political power enables us to shape the policies that impact our lives and hold those in power accountable,” Iris emphasizes.
• Social Justice: This final leg encompasses the broad spectrum of social issues that disproportionately affect Black communities. It’s about dismantling systemic barriers and ensuring equitable access to quality healthcare, education, housing, and a just criminal justice system. Social justice is about creating a society where everyone, regardless of their race, has the opportunity to live a fulfilling and dignified life.

Iris stresses that these three legs are not isolated concerns but rather intertwined aspects of a holistic vision for Black liberation. Focusing on one leg while neglecting others creates an unstable foundation for progress. True empowerment requires addressing the root causes of inequality and building a society where all three legs of the stool stand strong.

Inspiring Figures: Carrying the Torch Forward

Iris draws strength and inspiration from a long line of remarkable Black women who have paved the way for change.

• Ida B. Wells: A fearless journalist and activist, Ida B. Wells risked her life to expose the horrors of lynching in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Her unwavering commitment to truth and justice, even in the face of grave danger, serves as a testament to the courage it takes to challenge systemic oppression.

• Shirley Chisholm: A trailblazer in every sense of the word, Shirley Chisholm shattered barriers as the first Black woman elected to Congress and the first to run for President of the United States. Her audacity and determination in the face of overwhelming odds continue to inspire Black women to defy expectations and pursue their dreams.

• Kamala Harris: Iris clearly sees the current Vice President as a continuation of this legacy. She admires her strength, intelligence, and groundbreaking role as the first Black woman to hold the second-highest office in the land. Iris believes the Vice President represents a powerful symbol of progress and hope for future generations.

“I am in awe of her as being the perfect black woman for a time such as this,” Iris shares. “I feel in some ways the same way I felt about President Obama. In some ways, she is ordained for this moment. She’s the perfect counterpoint to her opponent. So, I’m just really thankful for everything that has been poured into her, again, as a daughter of immigrants, from two different sides of the world – one from India and one from Jamaica. Just knowing what’s inside of her and what she would have grown up with tells me that she’s just perfect, like I said, ordained for a time such as this. I’m just really thankful that the situation has played out as it has and that she stepped into it fully. I’m just hopeful that the rest of the country will wake up on my birthday, November 5th, and elect her because she’s the most qualified person for the role right now. Period. No contest.”

These women, and countless others like them, embody the essence of Black women’s leadership. Their stories are a testament to the enduring power of courage, resilience, and unwavering commitment to justice and equality. They serve as a constant source of inspiration, reminding us that even in the face of adversity, Black women have always been, and continue to be, at the forefront of the fight for a better world.

A Call to Action: Our Time is Now

As the upcoming election looms, Iris’s words serve as a powerful reminder of the stakes. Our voices, our experiences, and our unwavering dedication to justice are more crucial than ever. Let’s commit to amplifying the voices of Black women, supporting their leadership, and working together to build a more just and equitable society for all. Join organizations like Win With Black Women, share the stories of inspiring Black women in your community, and most importantly, make your voice heard at the ballot box.

Iris concluded, “In the spirit of the Minnesota saying, ‘Don’t talk about what you want to do to me or for me, talk about what you’re going to do with me,’ “let us engage in a collective effort to build a more just and equitable society. The legacy of Black women’s leadership is a testament to the transformative power of unity and purpose. It’s a call to action that we must heed, for our time is now.

RESOURCE:

Win With Black Women is a network of Black women leaders volunteering their time and talents in their individual capacity to support Black women. 

BIOGRAPHY:

Iris Cumberbatch is the Senior Vice President and Head of Corporate Affairs at ECMC Group since 2016. Before this, she was the VP and Head of Public Affairs at the Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland. She also held senior communications roles at Wells Fargo and Wachovia. Dr. Cumberbatch started her career as a journalist and holds a PhD in leadership and change.

The views expressed are solely Iris Cumberbatch’s and have not been reviewed or approved by her employer nor do they reflect her employer’s views.