Redefining 'Minority' with Imani Black of Minorities in Aquaculture

National fisherman | By Megan Waldrep | December 2, 2022

in just two years of founding Minorities in Aquaculture, Imani Black has amassed over $52,000 for programs, formed a women-led board of directors, and gained one hundred twenty members and counting. On a recent call during her lunch break, we chatted about MIA's growth since our first interview in the fall of 2020.

"It's really kind of settling into what MIA is about," Black says. "I think the more I learn, the more I see where MIA can fill roles (in aquaculture). It's shaping to be something I didn't even know it could be."

The hustle is real but pays off by inspiring minorities into water careers worldwide. "I think the beauty about our members is that they're from all over, on different journeys, and in different parts of their careers," Black said. "The common thread is that they've been wanting and needing a network, like Minorities in Aquaculture, who consistently advocates for them and provides a community they feel connected to. It truly means a lot to them, which ultimately means a lot to me."

In celebration of how one woman's idea can reshape an industry, I'm sharing an exclusive interview with Black from the archives of meganwaldrep.com – including an updated answer on her definition of "minority" and what it means for the community to come. 

Read full q&A: https://www.nationalfisherman.com/minorities-in-aquaculture