“Young,” “fabulous” and “female” are words that every woman should live by when describing themselves. Rolling out was on hand Tuesday, Feb. 22, as that and other issues related to women were discussed during the Atlanta stop of The Root’s “Young, Fabulous and Female” panel discussion series. Sponsored by Target, this leg of the tour was held at the W Hotel in Buckhead.
TV personality and journalist Jacque Reid was the moderator of the discussion, which included panelists Black Girls Rock founder Beverly Bond, actress Terri Vaughn, Jones Magazine editor-in-chief Tracy Ferguson, and singer-actress Tamara “Taj” George.
The exchange focused on the topic of the beauty of success. Questions and comments were raised such as the challenges successful black women face as they shape their careers and images; how to find a mentor; and how to increase the ranks of the young, fabulous and female within our community. The women leading the discussion were inspirational, but also candid about the hard work it took for them to get to where they are today.
There were many great points made during the discussion, but the most prevalent topic was having a good work ethic. The panelists agreed that women not only have to work hard to get what you want, but they have to work just as hard to maintain it.
Reid mentioned one of her most frustrating moments with some of the young women who look up to her and express interest in being on television … and want it now.
“Our younger generation is so accustomed to having most things given to them at a moment’s notice, whether technology, news, etc., that some have forgotten what hard work is,” she said. “You have to start from the bottom and make your way up to the top.”
Ferguson gave simple, yet eye-opening advice. “Get used to rejection,” she said emphatically. “Sometimes, rejection can be a hard pill for us to swallow, but it’s going to happen. So, we might as well embrace it and find other ways to get the answer to be ‘Yes.'”
She went on to point out that there’s typically a lesson in most rejections. “Pray for God to make it obvious to you,” she advised.
Could you imagine what the world would be like if the answer was always “yes?” I took away the understanding that rejection builds character and makes us stronger, preparing us for the “real world” and the “real people” in it.
This event not only opened my eyes to my own potential, but also made me realize the importance of remembering where I came from, remaining humble, and supporting the positive people who surround me. With that said, I am a young, fabulous and successful female! –mckenzie harris
