Minda Harts has addressed the matter of racial equality before. Her previous books include ”The Memo: What Women of Color Need to Know to Secure a Seat at the Table” as well as “Right Within: How to Heal from Racial Trauma in the Workplace.”
Her new book, “You Are More Than Magic,” is addressed specifically to teenage women of color. Harts relates her own experience growing up to make the point that women of color need to be advocates for themselves.
Harts, an assistant professor of public service of NYU’s Robert F. Wagner Graduate School of Public Service, is the founder of The Memo LLC, a career development company for women of color. She also has a weekly podcast for women of color, “Secure the Seat.”
“We can’t control anything but ourselves,” Harts told Steve Tarter in an interview where she emphasized that she wants to bolster the confidence of young people as they get out in the world. “Say what you mean without saying it mean,” Harts suggested.
She takes on the imposter syndrome, that nagging feeling we sometimes have that we don’t belong. One needs to see oneself as an asset in order to push back negativity, said Harts.
She found her voice on prom night years ago, describing an incident where she and her date waited for an hour for a meal at the restaurant only to have the meal served cold. When presented the bill, she came to a conclusion: “I thought I work too hard for my money at Dairy Queen,” she said and complained about the situation to the manager. As a result, they didn’t have to pay. “I think we both were surprised but that’s when we realized one has power in certain situations,” she said.
Harts said make sure that what you’re advocating is something that really matters to you and not just a passing interest. She also makes a point of mentioning the need for courage. “That’s fear that’s said its prayers,” she noted.
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