It’s no secret that our society has historically marginalized Black women. And social justice movements and community service haven’t been left out of this marginalization. That is why it is so important for young, Black students to engage in community service. This allows us to change the narrative and create a lasting impact.
By engaging in community service Black women will do more than just gain experience (although that is beneficial too), they will break down barriers and lift one another up. In this article, we explore the intrinsic and extrinsic benefits of engaging in community service. As Shirley Chisholm, the first Black congresswoman, said, “Service is the rent we pay for the privilege of living on this earth.” When we pay this “rent” we get something in return – we encounter diverse perspectives and experiences.
When we participate in community service, we better understand those around us and their unique challenges, cultivating a growing sense of interconnectedness in a world where division seems to abound. "Community service is not just something you do; it's a way of life. It's about standing together, supporting one another, and lifting each other up." Tarana Burke, activist and founder of the Me Too movement.