Hey, Y’all Leaders!

It’s Okay to Look Back…

Sankofa: A Ghanaian term from the Akan people meaning “go back and fetch it.” It stems from the proverb, “Se wo were fi na wosan kofa a yenkyiri”—it is not taboo to go back for what you forgot.

As leaders, we often dismiss the past in our rush toward the future. I subscribe to a different model. To me, the past is a foundation; I periodically revisit it to better inform my next steps.

Last Thursday, I had the honor of sharing my journey at HVCU (Historically VCU) during an interview with my colleague, Dr. Nick Williams.

During this moment, I was able to share the trials and triumphs of my parents. The trial- the inability to complete secondary education, or for my father, elementary education (he was born in the 1920’s, need I say more). The triumph- collectively, the two of them reared children who are all successful: doctors, nurses, entrepreneurs, and military veterans, to name a few. While others might frown upon my family due to my parents’ background, the children are proud because the love, care, strategy, lessons, and guidance surpasses any degree.

And this February, I celebrated 45 years of life. Now, more than ever, the lessons from my parents are speaking quietly to my spirit. Their lessons guide me. Their lessons sustain me. Their lessons are now being passed down to the next generation. And it’s beautiful to see the legacy of Light and Lil shining through their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

We are not afraid to look back. We are not afraid to revisit the lessons. It is our foundation.

My leadership challenge to you: Embrace the beauty of your background. Your history isn’t just behind you—it’s what informs your future. It is your power. It is your blueprint for success. Just take a look back! It’s a beautiful sight for the journey!

Until next time, stay FAITH FILLED! Filled with FAITH!

-Dr. Lu

Encouragement for Faith Filled Leaders from Dr. Lucy R.H.

Note. Photograph taken by the author on December 13,2025. Own work.

The image above shows a graduation cap from a December 2025 psychology ceremony. While that student was declaring that they made it through their degree and remained “still alive,” those words became the anthem for my own year: I made it. I am still alive.

Leadership carries its own unique weight of obstacles, turmoil, and constant balancing acts. It can be a lonely road; there are moments where you feel truly defeated, stepping into the shoes of a prize fighter who is ready to throw in the towel.

This past semester, I was in that place. I was exhausted, yet I kept pushing. But every time I reached to throw in the towel, a power higher than myself reminded me of Proverbs 3:5-6: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight” (Holy Bible, 2011).

As I embark upon 2026, the fact that I am “Still Alive” to finish the work is the torch I carry. God is the source of my strength and the origin of my help. Even in the desolate places, He is there. I am still here, and I am ready to do the work—because He is with me always.

So, I encourage you as a leader to lean on your power source. Whatever your belief system may be, there is an infinite power that can give you strength in difficult times. Lean on that strength. Let us work so that we can declare together at the end of this year: we are still alive to do the work.

So, chillld, along this journey, when you get tired or feel defeated? Remember that 2026 is about leaning on a power higher than ourselves to finish the work we were called to do. 

Continue carrying the torch! Let’s keep pushing. 🕯️

#StillAlive #KeepPushing #2026Goals #LeaningOnAHigherPower #EncouragingFaithFilledLeaders

References:

Holy Bible: New International Version. (2011). Zondervan