I first came across Nneka Allen, CFRE, COC, PCC‘s name when I picked up a copy of Collecting Courage.
Reading the first-person narratives shared by accomplished Black fundraisers and equity, racial, and social justice advocates, and viscerally feeling their joy, pain, freedom, and love in their words helped provide me visibility into the systemic oppression inherent in the nonprofit sector.
Fast forward to a year later and as I transitioned into my role as the lead of the Development department, and Nneka became my coach, mentor, and so much more. She has been a steadfast source of mentorship, care, and affirmation I’ve needed as a woman of colour in a sector rife with oppression and harm. Nneka’s infinite care and compassion and seemingly limitless empathy for people have taught me so much and she is a model of grace whom I truly admire.
Nneka’s expertise has guided me through the work of building relationships, the work of holding myself and others accountable, and the messiness of being in community with each other, and has made me a better fundraiser and activist. In our work together, she has consistently reminded me that I have autonomy over my decisions. She has expanded my capacity for curiosity and care. Nneka’s first-person narrative “Us and Them: What it Really Means to Belong“, is an example of her modeling her values of justice and love in the most courageous way. This work demonstrates how she lives these values- always. Nneka’s voice details such pain and indignities and yet it is so abundantly clear that this account is to illuminate the light forward not just for herself but for all.
https://lnkd.in/gpjrJ4RW
For all white and non-Black POC, do not feign shock that this occurred. Do not pretend to be oblivious to it. Instead ask yourself, after George Floyd, after Collecting Courage was published, do you remember the rage you felt? Do you remember your commitment to allyship? Do you remember saying, “we cannot deny the lived experience of Black people. No more.” I invite you to reflect on where your commitment to addressing anti-Black racism is now. And ask yourself, “have I done enough?”. Maybe the next question is, “How can I do more?”.
As Monica F. Fox wrote in a LinkedIn Post: “When a Black woman complains that something is wrong, believe her first and ask questions later. Black women have too much to lose pushing against systems if they lie.”
Thank you, Nneka for sharing your courage, love, and commitment to justice with the world. I am eternally grateful to be under your guidance and a part of your community.
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