AS DELIVERED
Hello everyone. Thank you so much for this honor, and for the opportunity to take part in today’s celebration. And this is truly a celebration – a chance to celebrate Black women in all of our splendor. After all, our potential is limitless. I know that firsthand.
Never, in my wildest dreams, did I think when I was a little girl in Louisiana that I would grow up to become the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations. Now, maybe that’s because I didn’t know what the United Nations was, or even what an Ambassador was. But I was fortunate enough to have family, and friends, and, most importantly, mentors, people who guided me in the right direction and taught me what I needed to know. They showed me the value of traveling the world and meeting new people. The importance of giving back. And the power of public service to change your life, and the lives of others, for the better.
National Congress of Black Women: It is my belief, as Black women in positions of power, that we have a responsibility to carry that forward. Not only to blaze a path for others to follow, but also to guide them along with us. To show them the way. Because we’ve all been there. We know the path is winding, dark, and treacherous. But it’s a little easier with some help and some guiding lights to lead you forward.
I am deeply, deeply humbled to be recognized alongside this illustrious group of awardees. It is an honor that I gratefully accept.
And to all the little Black girls watching, I have three words for you: You are next.
Thank you.
Original source can be found here.
