Leading in the Fog
- Vernon C. Lindsay, PhD
- 2 hours ago
- 3 min read
Dear Student Leader,
How is the weather? In Sacramento, we’ve had a series of foggy days. When driving and out running, the low visibility reminds me of snow flurries during Chicago’s winters.
It’s difficult to see the path ahead.
Oftentimes, leadership is like being surrounded by dense fog. You have the vision of where you want to go, but it’s challenging to discern the best route forward.
Do you stop? No. You consider past experiences, engage critical thinking skills, and lean on faith to continue.
Of the seven Kwanzaa principles, Imani, or faith, is integral to the history of Blacks/Africans in America. Whether we discuss Africans in the Americas before or after Columbus, faith played an integral role in their lives. It gave them hope and fostered leadership strategies.
As a leader, you stand in the shadows of your Ancestors. During this first week of Black History Month, I want you to revisit your faith.
The religious, spiritual, and self-beliefs guided Africans before, during, and after slavery. It helped them interpret circumstances and connect to a Creator, and in some instances, Creators of life. Faith remains vital to today’s goals of unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, and creativity.
Methods may vary, but leadership objectives are often similar.
We must possess faith to move through the fog.
In Dr. Marimba Ani’s textbook, Yurugu: An Afrikan-centered Critique of European Cultural Thought and Behavior, she described how religion informed the thoughts and actions of Africans. She wrote, “For the Kemites (ancient “Egyptians”), other Africans, and many contemporary “non-European” peoples, there is an authentic integration of science, philosophy, and religion.” Concepts of God or Gods influenced every aspect of African life.
The spiritual relationship necessary for eternal freedom did not remain limited to Sunday’s church services. It was cultivated during every endeavor and on multiple days of the week.
If we analyze the roles of Negro spirituals, self-beliefs, prayers, and ministerial figures in Black history, we can see how faith shapes liberation movements.
Queen Nzingha had faith that her correspondence with the Portuguese would bring about freedom.
Nat Turner believed God directed him to lead an insurrection.
King had faith that the nonviolent protests would lead to civil rights.
X’s faith in Allah gave him the courage to protest injustices.
We honor and celebrate Black history by engaging in activities that build faith. Whether this involves formal religious practices or informal means of connecting with a higher power, we must develop the spiritual fortitude necessary for leadership. Consider last year’s challenges to Black History Month observances.
The Trump administration paused the funding of diversity month celebrations. Policies attempted to change Dr. Carter G. Woodson’s 100-year narrative of implementing Black History Month initiatives in schools. Despite the White House’s PR efforts to redeem itself by inviting Black Republicans and cameras to a Black history celebratory event, it failed.
We witnessed the anti-DEI movement blossom in 2025 and leave seeds for more flowers this year. Amidst the ICE raids, journalist arrests, and senseless murders, we must use our faith to guide us through the gardens of hate.
Faith gives us the courage to lead and collaborate with others in the fog.
Remember, faith is “The Evidence of Things Not Seen,” like the title of James Baldwin’s 1985 book. Baldwin borrowed from the St. Paul quote: “Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” Both share resemblances to verses in Hebrews and 2 Corinthians of the Bible.
James 2:17 declares, “Faith without works is dead.” It’s one thing to believe, and another to act.
Push through the fog and let faith, critical thinking, and collaboration inform your leadership strategies.
How will you strengthen your faith this week? While you’re developing an answer, subscribe to this blog, support this writing cause, or enroll in leadership coaching for help.