The Power of Finding Your Village
Why Community Matters for Black Women and Girls
By Phyllis Bowman
In life, we all experience times of loneliness, and many times for black women and girls this comes from their experience with rejection and exclusion, but no one is meant to go through life’s challenges alone.
At the California Black Women's Collective Empowerment Institute (CABWCEI), we believe that collective empowerment begins with connection. When Black women and girls come together to share their knowledge, experiences, and support, we strengthen not only one another but our entire community.
Finding your village will put you on track to becoming the best version of yourself. In finding your village we build friendships and relationships that create a network of people who will uplift, encourage and help us to grow. Your village will celebrate your victories, and stand beside you during the difficult seasons.
Throughout history, black women have had to rely on one another to overcome barriers, preserve our culture, advocate for justice, and create opportunities for future generations. Community has always been their village and source of strength, and this is why finding your village matters.
It is common for people to assume that their village must be made up only of family members, but your village may look different than what you expect. Family can and will provide some support, but your village may also include mentors, trusted friends, colleagues, faith leaders, neighbors or members of an organization
Many people assume their village must be made up entirely of family members. Family can certainly provide meaningful support, but your village may also include mentors, trusted friends, colleagues, faith leaders, or members of an organization that share your values. It’s the people who encourage you the most, and those who choose to walk alongside you that become your village.
Organizations like CABWCEI exist to help cultivate those meaningful connections through leadership development, educational programs, networking opportunities, wellness initiatives, and community engagement, we strive to create spaces where Black women and girls can build authentic relationships that inspire personal growth and collective success.
Be intentional about building your village, because it will not happen overnight, but the first step starts with you. Understanding what your needs are first helps you find communities that align with your goals. Asking for help is not a sign of weakness. You don’t have to carry every burden alone. Strength often comes from allowing others to walk alongside us and give guidance when necessary. You deserve support just as much as anyone else.
Finally, exercise patience and trust the process, get rid of limiting beliefs. It’s ok to reflect on previous disappointing experiences, but it is important not to let those disappointing experiences keep you from embracing new opportunities for connection. You must remain open to what is possible. The new relationships you are building have the potential to be the source of encouragement, inspiration and transformation. Set your focus on this, instead of what didn’t work before.
We are stronger together. At CABWCEI, we believe that when one Black woman rises, she creates space for others to rise alongside her. Our mission is rooted in building community, advancing leadership, promoting wellness, and creating opportunities that empower Black women and girls across California.
Finding your village isn't simply about receiving support, it's about becoming part of something greater than yourself. Together, we learn. Together, we lead. Together, we create lasting change.
It is a known fact that when Black women have trust in their community support, they build community, stronger families, stronger neighborhoods, and stronger futures. An example of the village Trust Concept is Mayor Karen Bass the 43rd mayor of Los Angeles, California, serving as the first woman and second African American to lead the city. Mayor Bass often references the "community mothers" and grassroots networks that shaped her. Her political career began in grassroots activism, co-founding the Community Coalition to address systemic issues from the ground up. Read more about Mayor Bass here About Mayor Bass
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