By Marie-Pierre Gnassounou-Akpah – Contributor

Growing up, I was often the only Black girl—or one of the few—in my class or on my sports team. 

Saying it never bothered me would be a lie, but for the most part, it wasn’t as bad as it might seem. This is the reality for many of us as visible minorities in predominantly white communities.

As I got older and media representation grew, I began to see more Black people showcasing their achievements. This subtle shift changed my perspective on what success could look like for someone like me. I realized that there is a place for us in greatness.

You might think it’s not a big deal, but in reality, it is. Seeing other Black people succeed inspires us to strive for excellence. 

Having role models who look like us can push us to be better every day. We aim to become those role models for future generations, so they don’t feel as out of place as we once did.

Representation allows young people to dream of a future where their ideas, creations, and work are valued.

Representation creates a sense of belonging and validation.

Representation empowers the soul like nothing else.

Because I saw them, you can now see me.