Margaret Sullivan
Activist, Author, Filmmaker, Educator, Mother
Can you share your journey into the work you do? What experiences, moments, or values led you here?
I have always been someone who strived to represent the underdogs as in many ways I have felt like the underdog in various phases of my life. When I first started in radio in 2015, and just a few months before the murder of George Floyd (just 10 minutes away from my home), the lack of conversations being had about issues that impacted my community-many of which were considered taboo at the time like mental health and police brutality-I wanted to create a platform where those on the menu had a seat at the table but in a way that didn’t leave us feeling depressed and hopeless in the end.
Radio is what truly got me into activism. Radio is what inspired me to leave my corporate job (which I sometimes still question that decision cause babbyyyy the bonus checks were sweet) and enter the crazy world of non-profit because I wanted to serve my community full-time. It is how I met so many of the activists I now work with, have become friends with, and who I proudly march alongside of.
Who or what has most influenced your leadership and commitment to this work? This could include mentors, community, lived experience, books, faith, or movements.
Honestly, my first influence came from my church, St. Peter Claver in St. Paul, MN. That was where I learned the true meaning of doing God's work which, to me, is serving my community. This is why til this day, community is what keeps me going. They are who value my service and impact. They are the ones who lift me up especially when I feel very unappreciated by some of the people who receive credit for the work that I do.
For those who feel called to doing this work, where would you suggest they begin? Is there a book, organization, practice, or resource that helped shape you?
I think my biggest piece of advice is not necessarily how to get into this work-it’s about how to survive in this work. I was fortunate to be chosen for the We Vote MN fellowship in 2018. This fellowship showed me not only the key foundations and tools to being an activist, it also taught me the importance of not burning out along the way. Most people jump in head first to this work and have no idea how to truly manage it. I tell people pick a lane, and stay in it. You don’t have to take on every issue. You don’t have to be at every march. Pick a lane, stay in it. And don’t let people pressure you to do otherwise.
What wisdom or encouragement would you offer to the next generation of Black women leaders entering this space?
Boundaries, boundaries, boundaries. I cannot stress that enough. Do not try to be everything for everybody. You don’t owe people sh*t. Self awareness is key and so is self-care. Remember your purpose does not come from man, it comes from God. Lead by faith, not by ego.
How can people stay connected to and support your work? Please share your website, social media, current campaigns, or other ways to get involved.
I'm mainly active on Facebook and TikTok, but you can also find me on Instagram. All of it is under MsMargaretLive in some way shape or form.