Here's a little perspective you may not think of that comes from being a black speaker at a conference...often times the staff who clean up the plates and open the doors (to make sure you are allowed in rooms) are black.

Especially the lil old black ladies and men... They've hardly ever seen a black speaker at a conference, much less a black keynote. I remember how once when I told a lady I wanted to get in she said the keynote hall wasn't open yet, when I told her that I was the keynote

She checked my badge, and was like oh ok go on in. I practiced walking the stage getting a feel, etc. After the crowd poured in and left she took the time to catch me at the end and was like people loved you!! She's like I hear everything when people talk on the way out.

She was like I didn't understand any of it.

That was all she said, but I wish I could have captured her face.

Her face said I'm proud, I felt like in some small way she was more proud of me, herself, etc as a result.

The next year, I took my mom to Vegas, I had a conference

There and because I wish at so many I don't remember the staff. But this was the first time my mom was going to watch me keynote a big room, and as I walked my mom in this lady (whom I didn't remember) was like Mrs Reynolds he's good, let me get you a good seat...

In that moment I realized the impact on staff to see a black keynote at a mostly white conference it's the people we walk by in the halls adding coffee and creamers to the table and don't take time to know their names...our presence impacts them too.

After I was done, the two of them were chatting, mom and this lady. The smiles on their faces said it all.

Now here's my disclaimer...

Don't make me your token negro.
Have me come because I bring value and I sell tickets, not because you feel guilty about your whiteness & not having blacks present, I bring & new perspectives if I'm filling your diversity goals you are insulting me

@shawncollins this story is about you, you gave me this moment to make my mom proud and this lady proud, you launched my speaking career. You NEVER made me feel like I was a token pick and I honestly think it never entered your mind. Thank you for that.

You & @MissyWard made me feel like I brought value and every year you brought me back because I brought value. I never second guessed why I was there and that gave me even more confidence. Love you brother!!

Because that last podcast I was on dug so deep on my upbringing and how I fight everyday to make my mom proud and how I fight to make sure she feels like her sacrifices were worth it, I've been thinking about stories like these. https://hopestrategy.libsyn.com/growing-with-purpose-wil-reynolds