Black History Month
Cal U Women’ Center Celebrating Extraordinary Women on Wednesday
Emma Jackson Harris
Who has had a tremendous impact on you as a woman? My mother (Josephine Thomas Wynn) had a tremendous impact on me as a woman. She was the first person to believe in me and the potential that I held within. She would say, “You are smart! You can stand on your own! You are a strong black women! You will overcome any challenge put before you!” As a woman (along with my father) raising 14 children and 2 grandchildren, she was selfless! She provided a foundation built on Christ, faith and a love for family. Family wasn’t defined by blood but by the act of love… for one another.
Who has had a tremendous impact on your career? There have been many contributors as I continue to travel on my career path. Josephine Wynn (Mother/Encourager), Linda K. Peterson & Pearl Mitchell (Spiritual Leaders), Dr. Taunya Tinsley (Educator/Mentor), Rhonda Gifford (Supervisor/Encourager), Sharon Wallace, Susan Barnes Jackson, Marlene Middleton, Dr. Twila Lee Wynn, Kimberly Tucker, Carolyn Zimmer, Margaret Joseph, and Alicia Harris (Sisters/Support Team), Susan Saavedra (Niece/Best Friend/Closest Confidant), Candace and Brittany Jackson (Daughters/My Everything). Each of these women poured into me whenever my vessel ran low. They encouraged me to strive for my dreams and they role modeled what a successful woman really looks like. Their overflow of love, support, and knowledge contributes to how I pour back into my daughters, the women of CALU Women United, and all the women that I mentor, support and uplift on their personal and professional journeys. These women are the reason that I decided to continue my education and pursue a Ph.D. in Counseling Education and Supervision. As I stand on the shoulders of the women who went before me, I am building up and broadening my shoulders for those who will come after me.
What issues are you most passionate about? I am passionate about my faith in God, my family, women’s issues, and social justice for Black Americans, people of color, and marginalized groups. As I consider my academic research, I am passionate about “The impact that mass incarceration has had on the mental health and career readiness of Black Americans.” “Faith without works is Dead” (NIV James 2:26). As a social justice advocate, I will work endlessly to break down and eliminate barriers created by systemic and institutional racism.
If you could tell your freshman-self one thing, what advice would it be? I would tell my freshman-self… There are going to be times when you doubt your abilities; however, those thoughts won’t last long. The fruits of your determination lies ahead and you will feast on much success.
How can we show support of other women on campus? In our communities? We can show support of other women on our campus and in our communities by demonstrating kindness. Treat each other well and with respect. Make eye contact and share a smile. Be an encourager. Show up and be present for one another. Lift your sister up when she down. Provide her a covering, when she is exposed and vulnerable. “Speak life and show kindness” because there are powers in your words and your actions.
Fun fact? I am an outstanding singer and dancer! The only problem is …. Somebody forgot to inform my voice and my feet.