I once had an editor back at Forbes tell me these words: “Pressure is a privilege.” At the time, I wasn’t really feeling that notion—how could it be a privilege to feel all the things pressure carries (stress, anxiety, imposter syndrome, etc.)?
It took me some time to realize what he meant, but not until more than a year later, when I settled into my role as Sweet July’s managing editor. The career-changing opportunity allowed me to shape an entire print and digital vertical, build a contributor network from the ground up, and helm the brand’s editorial voice and strategy. The pressure was REAL, the feel of failure was REAL, but so was this: The reality that not many people could say they’ve been in my shoes. And that felt validating. That’s when I realized my Forbes editor was onto something.
Take Essence, for example—a 54-year-old brand that still stands as one of the top Black-owned media companies (and it’s growing—Essence’s parent company Sundial Media Group acquired Refinery29 earlier this year). It’s also one of the only existing Black media brands still producing print issues. And every year, girls' trips, celebratory reunions, and corporate events alike are planned around the coveted Essence Fest in New Orleans. I didn’t attend myself this year, but I’ve been following all the discourse—some positive, some not so much. Sustaining a 30-year-old festival that attracts more than 500,000 attendees is daunting as hell. I’m not saying Essence is perfect (no brand is). But without this pressure, without this scrutiny, without the failure (let’s be real, mistakes are going to happen), can we ever really reach maximum impact? Can we ever really evolve into the most powerful versions of ourselves?
I spoke to someone who knows this kind of pressure like the back of her hand: Cori Murray, the former deputy editor at Essence, who is now a decorated freelance host and writer.
Get a sneak peek of our conversation here:
Cori’s had her fair share of pressures, but she also believes that pressure makes diamonds. I’m inclined to agree, with one caveat: Did you know that diamonds can break due to too much pressure buildup inside the stone? It’s a process very fittingly called "strain.” In other words, it’s important we ask ourselves: how are we processing and channeling our pressures internally? And is it leading us towards progress or towards doom?
For those who don’t already know, I transitioned out of my extremely fulfilling full-time managing editor role at Sweet July at the top of this month. I relocated to London (dual citizenship, for the win!) and I’m freelancing for the first time in my life. I did it, in part, because the pressure building up inside of me was starting to feel like too much to manage. A little thing called burnout, much of which was self-inflicted, was imminently taking over. So I made a choice to pivot.
My mission remains the same (through this newsletter and other impactful projects)—and it still feels like pressure for sure. But it feels healthy. Intentional. Scary as hell. Impactful. And dare I say…it feels like a privilege?
I want to hear what you think about if/how pressure intersects with privilege. Tell me your thoughts in the comments, shoot me a private note, or both.
Stay In The Groove
Upcoming events for your calendar:
NABJ Convention (July 31-Aug 4, Chicago)
ENVSN Festival (August 10-11, Brooklyn)
Sip N’ Slay’s Summer Fest (August 17, New York City)
Invest Fest (August 23-25, Atlanta)
Black Girls in Media Conference (August 24, New York City)
Pretty Girls Sweat Fest (September 20-22, Atlanta)
CultureCon (October 5-6, Brooklyn)
Black Love Summit (October 12, Los Angeles)
EatOkra’s inaugural Culinary Creatives Conference (October 13, New York City)
Some job opportunities I’m seeing:
EBONY Media is looking for a Freelance Editorial Coordinator
Marie Claire is hiring a Staff Writer
Boiler Room is seeking a Freelance Content Coordinator
Apple’s Events team is hiring an Event Strategy Lead
Her Campus has an open application for a Fall 2024 Wellness Editorial Intern
The Hollywood Reporter is filling a Newswriter position
Hinge is hiring a Senior Public Relations Manager
Eater is hungry for a Commerce Writer
I loved this clip from Teen Vogue Associate Editor Aiyana Ishmael chronicling her career journey.
Did you hear that a sequel to The Devil Wears Prada is in the works? I’m always skeptical about messing with something so classic, but I’m cautiously hopeful for this one. Here’s hoping we get an accurate depiction of the current media landscape (for better or for worse)…
Speaking of journalism-centered classics, Kenny Williams Jr. penned an inspiring piece for Elle timed to the 20th anniversary of 13 Going On 30. It’s about how, years later, the film is still teaching him how to stay true to himself while rising the ranks in media.
I’m not going to lie, I’ve always considered my knotless box braids (I’ve been getting the boho style these days) to be a fully protective style, until I started paying a bit more attention. When it comes to braids, traction alopecia is a real consideration, as Allure’s Associate Beauty Editor Annie Blay details in this very well-reported piece.
There’s some interesting stuff happening over at Bon Appétit under the leadership of the great Jamila Robinson. She chats about why the food and cooking platform is expanding to include categories like sports and relationships as well as subscription boxes.
And, lastly, my current read: Everything’s Fine by Cecilia Rabess
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