I was a quiet woman - the person least likely to raise her voice in a meeting or to speak in a social setting.
Sure, I always had thoughts and opinions, but I rarely shared them.
Even as a successful freelance writer and professional blogger, most people didn't know what I thought of anything outside my day to day work.
But some moments require you to speak out. George Floyd's murder was one such moment for me, and I haven't stopped speaking since.
I realised that my gifts of writing and education had a higher purpose. So I found my voice in writing, launching SARN and authoring an award-winning book, I'm Tired of Racism. And then I found it in speaking, co-creating an award-winning podcast, the Introvert Sisters (relaunching this month), and appearing at events, video shows, and podcasts - dozens of them. I haven't been quiet since, going on to participate in and found communities, and continuing to do the work I'm called to do.
In my talk "The Era of the Quiet Black Woman is Over: Finding Your Voice" I share more of this journey, talk about the costs of visibility, and why I believe my introversion is an advantage.
How are you using your quiet power?
Sharon Hurley Hall is an anti-racism educator, author of I’m Tired of Racism, and founder of the SHHARE anti-racism community and of Sharon’s Anti-Racism Newsletter, which provides tools and lived experiences to fuel systemic change. A seasoned professional writer and journalist, she leverages over 30 years of experience to mentor introverted leaders, and is co-founder and co-host of the Introvert Sisters Podcast. Her recent work focuses on helping Black and Global Majority women achieve high-impact visibility and professional influence without the exhaustion of performing extroversion.
© Sharon Hurley Hall, 2026. All Rights Reserved. This newsletter is published on beehiiv (affiliate link).