the truth behind black women experiences in the workplace

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An experience that many don’t speak on. What is it really like to be a black woman in predominately white work spaces? Considering that black women hold the lowest spot on the societal totem pole, our experiences in all facets of society tend to reflect that. But it’s especially highlighted in the slew of encounters we face in our various places of work. 

One word that reigns in its prominence is “exhausting.” The experience for black women in the workplace is simply exhausting. But we would be doing this conversation a disservice, if we didn’t note that the exhausting experience for Black women doesn’t actually start in the workplace. For many of us, it started in the classroom.

Being The Only Black Girl In A Room Full Of White Girls And Boys, Sparked The Feeling Of Being Drained That Would Follow Us Through Our Academic Career And Into Our Professional Endeavors.

The ability to simply walk into a classroom and learn, was stripped from us at an early age. On top of learning, our classroom experience was also coupled with proving to our teachers and other students that we as Black girls were just as smart (maybe even a little more) than our counterparts. If we weren’t trying to prove that we too were intelligent, we were attempting to find our place in these white spaces. Speaking like them, dressing like them, moving like them, etc. just so that we could feel, in the slightest bit, accepted. You see what we mean? Exhausting. 

As black girls endured through high school and college, we found spaces that celebrate our uniqueness. These spaces allowed for us to be who we are and made us feel safe, as it’s seen that sometimes being “the only one” can feel quite the opposite. These spaces, ultimately though, had one goal – equip us for the life of “being black while working in white arenas.” There was only so much that our black professors, mentors, coaches, family, and friends, could teach us because truly, its an ongoing fight. 

Raise Your Hand If You’ve Ever Left Work And Felt Drained Due To An Aspect Of Being A Black Woman In Your Work Place.

Yeppp hand is raised. Often times, educated, professional, Alpha female, black women experience mental torment due to having to toggle back and forth between two consciousness. On one end of the spectrum, you walk into a space and you want to feel seen. You want to prove to the white men and women that you are just as qualified to be there. You want them to understand that it’s your intelligence and work ethic that got you to where you are. So, in this mindset, you’re inserting yourself. Having the thought provoking conversations, offering up profound concepts, etc. But then, on the other side, we walk into a space and we experience fear. We don’t want to seem too aggressive, too “angry black woman” ish, or just “too much” in general. So what we tend to do is toggle between the two day to day. Whether it’s in the classroom, in the workplace, at a special event, or even among certain friend groups – this is our reality. See what we mean? Exhausting. 

So where do we go from here? Well if you’re white and you got to the end of this, thank you. Take some time to think on your role in facilitating spaces for Black women to be themselves authentically and unapologetically. Ask yourself the hard questions. Have you hindered them from doing such? Have you turned a blind eye to some of the hardships black women face in the classroom or workplace?

What Can You Do Differently To Help Cultivate A Space Of Acceptance? 

Now to the black women that read through this, breathe. If your experience was highlighted here, take some time to reflect. Emote, journal, pray. Jesus knows exactly what its like to walk into a space and be questioned or criticized simply off of His capabilities. Trust in His power to strengthen you in journeying through these things. Don’t shy away from the hard conversations. Lean in and immerse yourself in them. They’re necessary. Walk in confidence from this day forward. No need to prove yourself or shrink yourself, just be. Your Father in Heaven as already validated you. Be free. 

Were aspects of your experience of working white spaces discussed here?Or maybe you’ve had a contrasting experience in the workplace. We’d love to hear some of the things you’ve endured.