BECAUSE OF A BLACK WOMAN TAVITA BASS
2024 marks the 10th Anniversary of BlackFemaleProject. Our theme, Because of a Black Woman, acknowledges and expresses gratitude for the icons who’ve inspired us from afar and for the Black women that have invested their time and talents to support the growth of BlackFemaleProject.
Read BlackFemaleProject advisor Tavita Bass’
‘Because of a Black Woman’ inspiration below.
Who is one of the Black women who's most impacted your personal life and/or career?
Naomi Diouf - Director of Diamano Coura West African Dance Co
What's one of the most memorable lessons or practices she taught you? How do you continue to apply it in your personal and/or professional life?
Warmly and respectfully called Mama Naomi, she always said to me, "Make sure you feel it in your body," "Allow it to get into your body," or asked, "Can you feel it in your body?” Although in context she was teaching me the art of dance and hearing drum rhythms, her statements resonated throughout my life on a personal and professional level. In my career and purpose work of interest, I always make sure that my career is aligned with my purpose or represents something that I value. As a mortgage underwriter I am responsible for assisting borrowers in their pursuit of homeownership. As a volunteer with various nonprofit organizations, I support missions that help advance and support Black women and Black and Brown communities. The work that I do lives within my body. I feel the purpose within me.
What advice would you give to a young Black woman or girl trying to find her place in the world?
Know that you're uniquely designed and the world needs all of your uniqueness. It is in your uniqueness that contributions are made to the world, no matter how small. The more you explore and play in the world, the stronger you build what is unique. Sometimes finding those gifts takes several trials and errors. In every error, you build better if you embrace it.