Raising Future Leaders in Black Communities in the Diaspora

Leadership Begins With Identity

If we consider the development of future leaders, we tend to concentrate on careers—such as those of doctors, lawyers, entrepreneurs, politicians, academics, and business executives. Yet leadership begins long before anyone attains a job title.

It starts with a young person realizing that "I have something valuable to contribute."

For Black families who are part of the diaspora, this is especially significant. Young people might grow up dealing with various cultures, the different expectations and ideas regarding who they should be. They can be proud of their heritage at the same time as they are trying to work out where they fit in society.

UNICEF stresses the need for children and adolescents to develop a positive sense of identity and feel a sense of belonging. Research carried out by UNICEF on identity shows how identity affects the way young people see themselves and experience discrimination. (UNICEF)

As a result, discussions on heritage, culture and identity become more than merely history lessons and can assist young people in forming a stronger sense of themselves.

Don't Just Tell Them Who They Can Be—Show Them

Children should see people who resemble them in a variety of positions of influence.

It doesn't mean that every Black child has to become a 'great leader'. Instead, it means broadening their conception of what is possible.

Take them to meet Black scientists, entrepreneurs, artists, educators, community leaders and professionals as well as those who are making a difference. Share the stories of grandparents and parents who overcame difficulties. Make sure they hear about both the successes and the struggles.

The idea that 'people like me don't do that' can become 'maybe I can do that too'.

Give Young People Opportunities to Lead

A mistake that adults can commit is delaying the giving of responsibility until the young people are older.

Leadership can only be acquired by practical experience.

Let children arrange a family activity. Let teenagers take responsibility for a community project. Encourage them to volunteer, to mentor younger children, to give a speech at an event or to come up with a solution to a problem which they care about.

When they make mistakes, don't feel the need to take over at once.

A young person who is given a position of responsibility finds that their decisions have significance and that errors can turn into chances to learn.

Education Matters, But So Does Confidence

Educational achievement is still a key element in preparing young people for the future. For instance, official statistics indicate that 63.3 per cent of Black/African/Caribbean/Black British pupils had reached higher education by the age of 19 in 2023/24, which is an increase from 44.1 per cent in 2009/10, even though it dipped again in 2024/25. (Explore Education Statistics).

Yet education by itself is not sufficient to prepare a person to take leadership.

Young people also need to have communication skills, emotional intelligence, critical thinking, resilience, integrity and the self-confidence to challenge injustice respectfully.

They need adults who are able to say “I believe in you” and at the same time willing to say “You can do better”.

Build Bridges Between Generations

The idea of future leadership does not require us to leave our origins behind.

Parents, grandparents, the older members of the community, religious groups and young people's organisations all have an important role to play in linking young people with their heritage and in helping them to take part confidently in wider society.

It is especially important in the case of families who are part of the diaspora, since young members of such families might at times feel themselves being caught between two cultures.

Rather than asking them to make a choice, we could teach them that they can be part of both and at the same time make a meaningful contribution.

Our Children Are Not Just Leaders of Tomorrow

The future of Black communities within the diaspora won't be determined merely by the adults who currently hold positions of influence.

The way it will be shaped will also be influenced by the children who sit around our dinner tables, go to our schools, take part in our youth groups and see the way we live.

Then let us provide them with more than just instructions.

Give them a voice, give them responsibility, provide them with positive role models, allow them the opportunity to fail, learn and then try once more, and most important of all, give them a reason to believe that their lives can make a difference.

Raising future leaders is not a matter of creating children who desire power.

What it is about is bringing up young people so that they come to realize their abilities carry with them a sense of responsibility and that leadership starts with a commitment to serving others.

Visit www.mychildandme.uk and www.parentskills2go.org to know more about us.