Nia-Malika Henderson Talks Uplifting Herself
Nia-Malika Henderson knew she belonged in the newsroom. During an interview, she opens up about motherhood, the Trump presidency and the book writing process. All these topics tie into politics in one way or another.
“It’s a challenge when you are the only one,” said Henderson told theGrio earlier this month. During her early days, she kept a note in her reporter’s notebook that said ‘You belong’ as a reminder that she was where she belonged regardless of being one of the few Black women in broadcast journalism.
“I think women, women of color and those from smaller groups go through imposter syndrome, when you really have to talk yourself up.”
A Country Girl’s Role Model
Henderson was born in South Carolina, a small rural town. Her hometown consisted of mostly working-class Black families. As a young girl, she admired women like the late journalist Gwen Ifill.
“I looked up to her growing up and I still do,” says Henderson. Ifill was the first African-American woman to land the role of host for a nationally televised U.S. public affairs show.
Henderson got her start in print journalism, eventually landing at The Washington Post.
Henderson’s Start in Journalism
Henderson got her start in print journalism, eventually landing at The Washington Post.
“By finding a community of people who came before you… that’s how I overcame being the only one,” said the Yale and Columbia University graduate.
Nia-Malika Gets Her Feet Wet in Politics
Hendersons parents grew up as an active political participant. As a young girl, she remembers marching with her dad to have the Confederate flag removed. Presently, Henderson is working on a book about the life of New York Rep. Shirley Chisholm, the first Black woman to run for president.
“I was listening to an interview and they asked her what she wants to be remembered for and she said, ”I want to be remembered as the woman who dared to be herself.’”
Henderson claims that the phrase is getting her through the project. In fact, she is currently trying to figure out how she can use Chisholm’s story to inspire other women.
“At the intersection of racism and sexism we do have a tendency to curb certain parts of ourselves and put ourselves in a box because we think that is what the dominant society demands from us,” says Henderson.
It is apparent that Black women are not afraid to openly share their sentiments anymore.
