How do student leaders create meaningful change in their communities?
That question was at the heart of the latest installment of Alabama State University’s Leadership, Educational and Development Speaker Series (L.E.A.D.), where students, faculty, staff, alumni and visitors filed into the Ralph David Abernathy Hall’s DeShields Auditorium Thursday, Jan. 16, to hear from social justice leader, author and mental health activist Tamika D. Mallory.
Mallory, one of the leading organizers of the 2017 Women’s March, took center stage as the guest speaker for the event, delivering a powerful message on leadership, activism and resilience.
The L.E.A.D. Speaker Series aims to engage students in thought-provoking conversations with notable figures through a contemporary approach, aligning with this year’s theme, “Empowering Student Leaders for Success.”
Mallory encouraged students to embrace fear as a catalyst for courage.
“There is nothing wrong with accepting fear, but it’s how you use it to fuel your courage to fight. Fear can ignite a level of courageousness! I hope that anybody in this room that has to make a decision to take a bold step, use that fire for social justice and equality or anything around you,” she said.
Mallory reflected on the importance of self-care within activism.
“I’ve seen people spend their whole life, all their time feeling condemned to a life of constantly fighting,” Mallory said. “They don’t know how to get out, dance and just enjoy life. I’ve learned over time that when we’re going against all that we face, we have to learn how to take care of ourselves and our people. That’s what Dr. King showed me.”
Mallory also addressed the challenges activists face.
“The opposition is strong,” she said. “They are powerful. They are organized. They have resources. They’re diabolical. They don’t mind you dying as a result of whatever is upon you. They want to try to stop you from fighting against them so that they can control your mind, body and soul. People are going to fight against you, and sometimes, they will look like you.”
She reminded students that it is fine to do the leg work in the shadows.
“We don’t always have to be in the spotlight for change to happen,” Mallory added. “There may be someone who is in the spotlight, someone who has the charisma to go out and do the speaking, build the community and help manage and expand the impact on power. I know some people see me as the face of the organization, but nothing great happens without the incredible group of people that work with me.”
She also spoke about the selflessness of past civil rights leader Martin Luther King.
“One particular line that always stuck with me from Martin Luther King’s ‘I Have a Dream’ speech was ‘I may not get there with you.’ It stuck with me because it shows his level of selflessness. He knew and accepted that he may not bear the fruits of this fight, and he still believed in it and still fought.”
Encouraging students to take action, she emphasized the need for strategy and political engagement.
“Fighting is not an easy thing, but you can do it. However, it does take planning, serious planning to sustain yourself in moments when people may not be paying attention,” Mallory said.
Speaking on the presidential election, Mallory emphasized the need for change at the polls.
“It’s time for us to open up our system. We have to find a way to open up the system and provide options for people to run and be serious candidates who don’t have to choose between red or blue. We have to find pipelines for those independent candidates and get behind candidates who look like us and support us. I believe this is the way to bring back the idea of voting.”
Students and alumni were deeply moved by Mallory’s speech.
Wandra Broughton, a university alumna, said, “Every time I hear Tamika speak, she motivates me so much. I love her! It made my heart sing to know the great things she’s doing and it motivates me to do the same for my community.”
Broughton also urged students to take action.
“My word to you all is to get involved, get active in your community, not just for the presidential election but also your local voting. Our Black community needs all the help we can get,” Broughton said.
Jada Gray, a sophomore majoring in pre-health biology, was inspired by Mallory’s authenticity.
“Tamika was such an amazing speaker,” Gray said. “It felt like she spoke life into us all, you can tell it came from the heart. I can’t wait to read her book.”
Sydney Guy, a junior majoring in communications, appreciated Mallory’s call for unity.
“My favorite part was when she highlighted the fact that we’re so quick to start up new organizations when there are other organizations doing the same thing that we could try to add our input to first. We’re never going to make real change until we learn how to work together effectively,” Guy said.
Zorah Taylor, a sophomore majoring in history education, praised the university for selecting Mallory as a speaker.
“I loved how she was so genuine and real,” Taylor said. “You can tell she really takes pride in what she does and how much she believes in the movement. Alabama State chose a great speaker for us tonight. She could’ve spoken for another hour!”