Women's Empowerment feat. Janet Jackson

Uber’s commitment to empowering women and underrepresented groups was illustrated this weekend through their partnership with Janet Jackson. The events courageously and thoughtfully emphasized the importance of women’s empowerment, inclusivity, and equality.

I was lucky enough to be invited by Uber to not one, but BOTH events featuring the iconic Janet Jackson to celebrate women’s empowerment. The first event was her Album Listening Session for her new song and video ‘Made For Now.’ The second event was the Harlem Day Block Party where she received multiple awards for her work and dedication to the community. It was a weekend that I will never forget!

Growing up in the 90s, it was all about music videos and choreography. Janet Jackson gave us life! I vividly remember practicing and learning the dance moves to Rhythm Nation, The Pleasure Principle, I Get So Lonely, and Scream (her duet with her brother Michael Jackson). Let’s not forget the Velvet Robe tour. To be honest, I think I still have the VHS tape that I used to record the New York concert live. Don’t judge me! In all seriousness, Janet Jackson is a force to be reckoned with!

Black Girl Magic

All of her dance routines were so intricate and amazing, the imagery in her videos were compelling, and her lyrics were empowering. Since the 1980s, through her music and performances, she’s addressed current events and social issues like LGBTQ+ rights, domestic violence, and racial and sexual discrimination.

Last year, during her State of the World Tour, I watched her breakdown after performing the single “What About” from her 1997 Velvet Rope album. The performance was profound, emotional, and true to the current times, conveying the painful truth of existing in an abusive and violent partnership. At the end of the performance, Janet held her face in her hands crying “this was me!” Before this tour, Janet hadn’t performed this song in over 18 years, but she made a conscious and political decision to connect with women screaming “me too” and protesting against sexual abuse. This was just one of many examples of how she uses her platform to empower and uplift women and marginalized communities.

In 2018, nothing has changed! She continues to disrupt the status quo, celebrate underrepresented communities, and preach universal love and awareness. If you haven’t done so yet, I highly recommend you check out her new song and video. From start to finish, the video is a visual dedication to elevating women of color as well as black and brown cultures. One of my favorite parts is the last 15 seconds where she is sitting with a group of black and brown people decked out in Afrocentric clothing.

As a woman of color, I want to say thank you to Janet Jackson for constantly reminding me that I am brilliant, powerful, and capable of anything! Lastly, thank you Uber for giving me the opportunity to celebrate all that I am with one of my idols, Janet Jackson.

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