I know what you are thinking; black in women in the workplace—what is there to talk about? Well, here I go on why are black women so intimidated by each other. I mean at work in the hallway, walking to the bathroom, I can’t even get a "good morning." Or when I’m seen walking with my white colleagues I get a dirty look. Or when my clothing isn’t as fitted, I get looked up and down like a school girl. Why? Can’t we all be great in our unique ways?
"A black woman in the workplace" is a conversation that I have held with my peers, professors, colleagues and family members. The theme of the conversation is always how black females are minorities in the workplace and you have to work twice as hard to gain respect in your perspective fields. Women are already minorities in the workplace, but to be a black woman, girl, you have to put on your big girl panties.
In class, my peers and I had a conversation about black people in the workplace. I expressed to my peers that, yes, I was the only black in the office, with box braids. I explained that I had to work hard while pitching stories and sometimes listen to derogatory things that some of my white colleagues would say. The last thought that I expressed was that I felt my white colleagues were intimidated by me.
Then my fellow classmate said to me, “Well, I get that from black women at my job all the time.” At that moment I opened my eyes and thought, "Wow. It is not just white people. It’s my own people as well." It wasn’t until my internship that I realized that black women in the workplace aren’t as welcoming as you would think.
1. We have a common goal: success.
My mama always told me to speak to people, even if they don’t speak back because one day you will get a response. This is what I do in the workplace. I’ll smile, wave, say "good morning" and sometimes I do not receive a response. It actually bothers me—why can’t black women support each other? I’m sure that we all have a common goal and now acknowledging each other should not be one. Why do we have to feel like one is better than the other? Why can’t we be both be successful? These are the questions that race through my mind when I am denied a simple "good morning," smile or wave.
Not only have I’ve been ignored by other black women, I constantly see cliques talking about each other. As black women, we are equal and seen as the same person, we represent each other through or attitudes and appearances. We all want to be successful and we can achieve that goal together without bashing one another.
2. Appearance is everything and we represent each other.
What do we wear as a black women in the workplace? Ladies please know that people are watching us at work whether we want to be watched or not.
One morning I headed to the cafeteria to get some breakfast to start my day. Walking down the hallway there were two black women in front of me with six-inch stripper heels on and disgustingly tight clothing. As I got closer to them my skin began to crawl, my body started to get hot and I could feel my face beginning to flush. I was so embarrassed at that moment. Why was I embarrassed even though I wasn’t the one dressed inappropriately? Because we represent each other.
As we got closer to the cafeteria, heads turned, people were even laughing because these ladies were trying to be cute, but couldn't even walk in their heels. That day was when I realized how thankful I am for Hampton. Hampton stresses the importance of business professional or business causal and it is because of my illustrious university that I know how to dress for the occasion.
3. Embrace and respect
Lastly, ladies, let’s put all the stupid, non-existent beef to the side and respect one another. We don’t gotta be BFFs, but I see you, I respect you, I respect your hustle. That’s real.
Let’s support one another, start businesses, do work together, participate in community service together—these are some of the important things in life.
We have enough people in this world against the black race, we see it everyday and with that being said, we don’t need to bring that foolishness to each other.
