Happy National Mentoring Month! What better way to kick off the new year than to dive into resources for gaining or providing mentorship? Mentorship can be a life-changing experience, offering guidance, support, and inspiration when navigating career paths, personal growth, or even life’s unexpected challenges. For the black community especially, mentorship often extends beyond advice, providing a safe space to share experiences and strategize about overcoming systemic barriers. Successful mentoring relationships—where seasoned professionals took younger talents under their wings—highlight the transformative power of this dynamic.
Leverage Professional Networks: Attend industry conferences, seminars, and networking events to meet like-minded, but seasoned professionals. Many organizations (such as the National Urban League or Black professional associations in your field) host mentorship programs designed to connect individuals with potential mentors.
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Utilize Online Platforms: LinkedIn and other social media platforms make it easier than ever to identify and reach out to potential mentors. Follow thought leaders in your field, engage with their content, and consider sending a thoughtful message expressing your admiration and interest in learning from them.Join Mentorship Programs: Many universities, workplaces, and community organizations offer structured mentoring initiatives. Research programs specific to your career interests or those tailored to empowering Black professionals.Volunteer and Get Involved: Mentorship opportunities often arise organically through shared interests. By volunteering for causes you’re passionate about, you can meet individuals who inspire you and are willing to share their expertise.Ask for Introductions: Don’t hesitate to ask trusted colleagues, professors, or friends if they know someone who might be willing to mentor you. A personal referral can open doors to meaningful connections.
5 Famous Mentoring Relationships:
1. Barack & Michelle Obama
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The Obama’s met at a Chicago law firm, where Michelle was assigned to be Barack’s mentor during his summer associateship.
2. Viola Davis & Meryl Streep
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“I always nurture a relationship that makes people feel like they’re important, like they’re a part of the collaboration. I feel that way about the young actors on set. I don’t talk to them like I’m the mentor; I talk to them like they’re my peers. And I learned that from Meryl Streep.” –Viola Davis
3. Phylicia Rashad & Chadwick Boseman
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Phylicia Rashad was Chadwick Boseman’s acting teacher and mentor at Howard University in the late 1990s.
4. Usher & Justin Bieber
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“As a mentor, [Justin Bieber has] accepted my opinion, I can give him my perspective. He’s like a child to me, so I don’t necessarily feel like it’s business, you know what I’m saying? I feel like I’m talking to someone who has had hardships,” Usher explained. “If your child ever has difficulties, every person who’s listening to this right now understands that nobody’s perfect. You’re gonna have moments. And if he does, I can only show him the reality of what has happened … of course we’ve had stern talks.” –Usher
5. Oprah Winfrey & Maya Angelou
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Mentors are important and I don’t think anybody makes it in the world without some form of mentorship.” –Oprah Winfrey
