Putting Respect on My Name
Cicley Gay
Names are more than just words; they are a core part of our identity, a reflection of our uniqueness, and a connection to our personal and family histories.
For me, my name, Cicley Gay, carries deep meaning and intentionality. My parents chose this name, not only for its beauty but because they wanted to set me apart, to honor the individuality they envisioned for me from the very beginning.
A Unique Name, A Unique Story
My parents wanted my name to represent something special. Inspired by the legendary Cicely Tyson, they admired her grace, resilience, and unapologetic individuality. They deliberately chose Cicley, spelling it differently from the traditional “Cicely,” as a way to honor Tyson’s legacy while creating something uniquely mine. For them, my name was more than a label — it was a reflection of their hope that I, too, would embody strength, creativity, and the courage to stand out.
Misspelling my name might seem like a small oversight, but it’s more than a minor mistake. It diminishes the care and thought my parents poured into giving me a name that would reflect my individuality and the legacy of inspiration they saw in Tyson. My name, with its unique spelling, is a testament to their love, their vision, and their desire for me to be unapologetically myself.
2. A Matter of Professional Integrity
In my professional life, accuracy matters. Whether it’s crafting strategic plans, building programs or leading impactful events, I invest in excellence and precision. It’s only fair to expect the same in return when it comes to the details of my identity.
Misspelling my name in emails, articles, or invitations not only undermines professionalism but also risks diminishing my contributions. Correct spelling is a mark of attention to detail, and it speaks volumes about how someone values the person they’re addressing.
3. Respect and Representation
As a Black woman and a leader, I understand that representation matters. My name is a symbol of my presence in spaces where Black voices and leadership must be amplified. Ensuring the correct spelling of my name is a small but vital act of respect that aligns with broader efforts to acknowledge and uplift Black identities.
Historically, the mispronunciation and alteration of names, especially among Black and immigrant communities, have been tools of erasure. This has played out on public stages, such as with the repeated and deliberate mispronunciations of Vice President Kamala Harris’s name — a glaring example of how missteps with names can reflect broader patterns of disrespect toward our culture and identity. Names are not just phonetic; they carry history, pride, and the weight of representation.
By prioritizing accuracy in how my name is spelled and pronounced, we push back against those patterns and reclaim the dignity associated with our identities. Recognizing and respecting names is a meaningful step in fostering inclusion and honoring the richness of Black history and culture.
4. Attention to Detail Reflects Effort
Taking the time to learn and spell someone’s name correctly demonstrates effort and care. In an age where we’re increasingly reliant on technology that can autocorrect or suggest spellings, choosing to verify and use the right spelling shows that someone values the relationship and respects the individual.
In my work and life, I appreciate when others take the time to get the details right, whether in collaboration, partnership, or personal exchanges. It reflects mutual respect and trust.
5. It’s My Brand
As someone building my personal and professional brand, my name is my calling card. Whether it’s in event programming, public speaking engagements, or my published works, “Cicley Gay” is synonymous with my contributions and vision. A misspelling undermines the consistency of my brand, creating unnecessary confusion.
For anyone in a leadership role, especially in creative or strategic fields, the correct representation of their name is crucial. It ensures their work remains tied to their identity, accurately reflecting their legacy and achievements.
6. The Weight of Names in Black History
For Black Americans, names carry a unique and profound significance tied to our history. Many of our ancestors, stolen from their homelands and forced into slavery, were stripped of their original names and identities. They were often given the names of their enslavers, severing them from their heritage and reducing them to property. The surnames many of us carry today are a reflection of this painful history — a reminder of the names our ancestors were forced to abandon and the identities lost in the process.
For those who came before us, the reclamation of names, culture, and identity has been a powerful act of resistance and self-determination. My name, Cicley Gay, is more than just a reflection of my individuality — it is also a tribute to the resilience and survival of my ancestors. It represents a choice to define my identity on my own terms, to honor the sacrifices of those who came before me, and to assert the dignity they were denied.
Getting names right, whether mine or others, is a way of acknowledging this history. It’s a simple yet profound act of respect, one that connects us to the larger story of Black resilience and the ongoing fight to reclaim and honor our identities. In a world where so much was taken, the least we can do is honor the names we choose and the legacies they carry.
A Simple Act of Kindness
Ultimately, spelling my name correctly is a small but meaningful gesture. It acknowledges my humanity, honors my story, and shows respect for my individuality. It’s a step toward fostering a culture where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued — one name at a time.
Every time you spell my name correctly, you honor my story, my individuality, and the legacy behind it. It’s more than just a name — it’s who I am.
So, thank you for taking the time to get it right: Cicley Gay.
