Take a Seat-Apply for a Black job

Columnist-Sherry Holliman

??According to former President Trump's statement made during a debate "They're taking Black jobs now and it could be 18, it could be 19 and even 20 million people," about the role immigrants play in the U.S. economy job market.

One fact is that you can’t complete a Black job application because everyone should be intelligent enough to understand that jobs should not be based on race but should be about opportunities.? However, it is a fact there are certain industries that seem saturated with specific racial groups, not because of racial ties, but due to factors like location, industry demand, and economic opportunities. To label these as "black jobs" or "immigrant jobs" is an ignorant and small-minded narrative that weakens leadership and is not what a nation needs to hear. Americans should expect leaders to take seats with the intent of creating jobs for all people.

The act of "taking a seat" in leadership is more than just occupying a position; it’s about making strategic decisions that support inclusivity and economic growth. Leaders who truly take their seats with purpose focus on building an environment where every individual, regardless of race, has equal access to job opportunities based on their skills, experience, and potential. By taking these seats with a commitment to fairness and opportunity, political leaders can focus the conversation away from divisive labels and create policies that ensure every citizen has a chance to succeed. This is the kind of leadership the nation needs! Having a strong united workforce is about making impactful decisions that benefit everyone, while also challenging the setbacks of societal personal views that can arise when jobs are inappropriately associated with race. With this tense election cycle very fast approaching as a citizen you must decide which candidate you want to see seated at the table. Taking seats does matter. ?Whether it's pulling up a chair in your kitchen or a public event.

?Now you would never just walk into a room and pick up a chair and walk out the room with the chair in your hand. But hopefully instead, you would choose a seat to sit in. ?Do you know why you are choosing that particular spot? Was it at the back, the front, off to the side, or right in the middle? The simple choice of taking a seat can carry a deeper meaning, subtly communicating your position and your attitude toward the topic, and even your self-perception. What does it truly mean to take a seat? In everyday situations, taking a seat is thoughtless. But in the society “taking a seat” carries significant weight and symbolism. It represents power, influence, and responsibility. Taking a seat isn't just about physically occupying space, it's about making a statement, getting opportunities, and creating change. Whether in a boardroom, a political office, or a public event, choosing and holding a seat has deep implications. It's a declaration that one's voice matters and deserves to be heard. For Black professionals, taking a seat can also mean pursuing opportunities that have historically been out of reach or underrepresented by Black individuals.

The process of completing an application for a job, particularly in spaces where diversity has been lacking, is a serious courageous move. It's not just about filling out forms, but about challenging the systematic barriers and claiming a place at the table. In the context of a Black job application, taking a seat represents the courage to step into roles that may have been previously inaccessible or discouraged for centuries. It's about pushing past barriers, whether they are societal expectations, internal doubts, or institutional biases. By applying for and obtaining these positions, Black professionals are taking a seat in spaces where their presence was once limited or non-existent, trailblazing for future generations. Taking seats is about being bold to make progress in the good ole boy communities.? Every time a Black individual “takes a seat” in a new role or completes an application for a job that contributes to their community's growth, the impact becomes a powerful metaphor for the ongoing fight for equality and representation.

?It's about more than just sitting down. It's about standing up for one's rights, demanding inclusion, and ensuring that diverse voices are part of the conversation in every community. Taking seats challenges systemic inequalities and inspires others to do the same, reminding everyone that these seats are not just meant for some, but for all who have the drive and capability to fill them. Are you bold enough to take a seat?? In reality there are no such thing as “Black jobs”! But rather decision-making seats on all levels of life from personal to professional. Specifically, are you interested in taking the seat of an incumbent? Why would someone want to take that seat? Is it out of ambition, a desire for power, retaliation, or a genuine belief that it is time to improve the quality of life for the constituents and the communities? Is taking the seat of another elected official disrespectful, or is it simply fair game in the democratic process? ?You need to ask yourself isn’t that what democracy is about? The seat you take, whether in a 4-wall room or a political position, isn’t just about where you sit, it's about what you stand for. If you were an incumbent and someone took your seat, would you feel seated? Or would you see that seat as something that belongs to you, or to the public, to be claimed by whoever can best serve the community? ?So the next time you’re asked to take a seat, consider what that choice says about you, your intentions, and your place in the larger conversation. Whether in a boardroom, a classroom, or the halls of government, the seat you choose could be more significant than you realize.