In her own words
Taiwo Adebowale
Everybody says that you’re the writer of your own story, but what if people overlook your words, all because of your background? You undermine your roots. Your identity. You become apprehensive to show the world your strengths. Your roots. Out of fear of scrutiny. Advertising is one of the most omnipresent forms of media reflecting our society. Yet, Black people are portrayed in monolithic ways, reinforcing that our differences don’t matter. People don’t realize that there’s strength in being an outlier of a narrative. You don’t only empower yourself. You learn how to empower the unheard by validating their identities as well, showing them they are meant to thrive and not suppress themselves. I learned this when I started skateboarding. While cruising down the road, I came across a Black girl, clinging to the fence. Gawked by the sight of a Black woman skating. She told me she didn’t know people who looked like her skated. Having this knowledge, she showed interest in the activity. In that moment, I learned that there’s power in my presence, despite being unconventional to greater society. There’s youth who need to see people like me. Moving in their own way. Thriving in their own way.
As an advertising major, I want to reform the way our stories are told for this exact reason. With my education, I plan on becoming copywriter. Eventually, working my way up towards becoming a creative director so I create and display diverse, authentic stories of the Black diaspora, dispelling monolithic representation and improving the self-esteems of people in my community. Momentum only takes a push. Would you be willing to lend a hand behind me? Not only so I can keep pushing, but so I can ensure others can too with my motion. I may be treading down my own path, but I want another generation to follow it once I’m done.