What is Your Manifesto?

Lanita Colbert Board Chair, Juanita C. Grant Foundation • February 17, 2025
A sign that says cheers to new adventures on it

When writing a blog, my purposeful intention is to engage and hopefully start a dialogue. As Board Chair of the Juanita C. Grant Foundation, I have many opportunities to execute this desired goal. When considering joining the board, I assessed and appraised their 'manifesto,' wanting to know if the foundation met one of my core beliefs, self-empowerment. Six years later, I feel empowered, and more importantly, I feel connected to a larger community through the engaging dialogue that our collective manifesto fosters.

 

A Manifesto has long been used to articulate a view and critique of the past, present, and future. Having one that connects shared visions allows one to address and challenge the systemic causes of inequality in all things that affect our everyday lives. It engages us in a commitment to social justice, a cause that is crucial for our collective well-being. Poems, books, pamphlets, plays, artworks, and documentaries embody the stories and visions of a cause important to the creatives, i.e., artists, filmmakers, poets, etc., that want others to know more about or for personal fulfillment.

 

What is a personal manifesto? It's your declaration of what you want in life, a tool that helps you prioritize what is essential and what you want to achieve. More importantly, your personal manifesto captures what makes you feel most fulfilled. This is relevant to those interested in personal development, as setting realistic and achievable goals requires transparency, honesty, practice with intentions, and empowering your core beliefs and values. Writing a personal manifesto is a powerful tool for motivating you to commit to your growth and well-being.
 
 

Is a manifesto a good idea, and why? Yes! It keeps you focused. Expands your beliefs and philosophies that are the core of your life journey. How do I write my personal manifesto? Start with I love, I believe, and I am committed. Remember, you are simply declaring your truth and love of wisdom. You seek to better understand yourself, your personal and social relationships, and connectedness in your community while practicing self-care with compassion. I will check on you in the coming year to see how your manifesto is evolving. Reach out to lcolbert@jcgfdn.org if you would like to start a dialogue. I encourage you to be optimistic and have a sense of curiosity. Change can only come with action. Be kind. Be brave. Be you.




Lanita Colbert

Board Chair, Juanita C. Grant Foundation


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