Standing for Justice - Where You Sit is Where You Stand: Lessons in Leadership, Liberation, and Legacy

The saying, "where you sit is where you stand," encapsulates a profound truth about the intersection of perspective, identity, and action. It reminds us that our lived experiences—where we’ve come from, the challenges we’ve faced, and the opportunities we’ve had—shape how we view the world and what we choose to stand for. This concept echoes through the Civil Rights Movement, the work of the Black Resilience in Colorado (BRIC) Fund, and the ongoing struggle for equality, equity, and Black liberation.

During the Civil Rights Movement, activists like Colorado CORE leaders James Reynolds and Ruth Denny recognized that their identities as Black Americans in a deeply segregated and unequal society presented them with a unique and urgent calling. From the lunch counter sit-ins to the marches for voting rights, they acted with a clear understanding that their seats—whether in schools, buses, or at the margins of power—dictated the necessity of their stance for justice.

Their courage was not abstract; it was rooted in the day-to-day realities of systemic racism. Yet, they also taught us that liberation is collective. They stood not only for their own dignity but for future generations to sit in positions of power and influence without the barriers of injustice.

Shirley Chisholm, the first Black woman elected to Congress, captured this sentiment perfectly when she said, “If they don’t give you a seat at the table, bring a folding chair.” Her words remind us that creating change often means disrupting systems of exclusion and finding ways to demand inclusion, even when it’s inconvenient or uncomfortable for those in power. The Civil Rights Movement was full of leaders who did just that—insisted that the table of democracy and justice expand to include those who had been denied access.

Fast-forward to today. The BRIC Fund continues this legacy by recognizing that where we sit as a community shapes our ability to act. The fund empowers Black-led organizations and leaders to dismantle systemic inequities while amplifying the voices of those most impacted by injustice.

The BRIC Fund’s work is not just about philanthropy—it is about reshaping the systems that determine "who gets to sit where." It is about ensuring that Black communities in Colorado have the resources, tools, and platforms to rise and thrive. This is the folding chair Shirley Chisholm spoke of: when existing systems fail to provide access, the BRIC Fund builds new pathways, new tables, and new opportunities.

Today, we see progress in many areas, but the work is far from complete. The phrase “where you sit is where you stand” challenges us to reflect on our positionality in this moment of history. Are we sitting in places of comfort while others continue to struggle? Or are we using our seats—our influence, privilege, and platforms—to stand for equity and liberation?

Chisholm’s call to bring a folding chair still resonates, especially when we think about how often marginalized voices are silenced or ignored in rooms of power. Whether advocating for policy change, funding Black-led initiatives, or mentoring the next generation of leaders, we all have a role to play in ensuring that every person—regardless of race, class, or gender—has a seat at the table.

Black liberation is not a destination but an ongoing journey. It requires us to honor the legacy of those who came before us while continuing to advocate for structural changes that will ensure freedom and equity for generations to come. It calls on all of us to recognize that the personal is political, and where we sit—our identities, experiences, and resources—gives us both the responsibility and privilege to stand for justice.

As we reflect on the work of the BRIC Fund and the broader struggle for Black liberation, let us remember the power of collective action. When we recognize the importance of where we sit, we can build a future where everyone can stand boldly in their power and live lives of dignity, purpose, and joy.

Shirley Chisholm’s wisdom reminds us that the table isn’t static—it is what we make it. If the table isn’t large enough, we bring chairs. If the table isn’t equitable, we reshape it. Together, we can honor the past, activate the present, and reimagine a liberated future. Where we sit is where we stand—and where we stand defines the legacy we leave behind.

Now is the time to take action. Join us in supporting the Black Resilience in Colorado Fund and its critical work to uplift Black-led organizations and leaders across the state. Visit bricfund.org to learn more, get involved, and donate today. Together, we can ensure that every seat, every table, and every system is a space for equity, opportunity, and liberation.