“I alone cannot change the world, but I can cast a stone across the waters to create many ripples.”
Mother Teresa
For the past 5 years, Mckinsey & Company has conducted a Women in the Workplace study. 2020 making the sixth year, unlike any other, has some highly challenging circumstances. “Women in the Workplace is the largest comprehensive study of the state of women in corporate America. Between 2015 and 2019, close to 600 companies took part in the study. More than a quarter of a million people were surveyed on their workplace experiences [1].”
Now in 2020, the pandemic has further intensified challenges women already face in the workplace. I know this to be true from experience. “Meanwhile, Black women already faced more barriers to advancement than most other employees. Today they’re also coping with the disproportionate impact of COVID-19 on the Black community. And the emotional toll of repeated instances of racial violence falls heavily on their shoulders. [1]”
I thought owning my voice, telling my story would be an easy thing to do, but I was wrong. I questioned myself, “What good will it do? How could I change a system with unseen barriers for black women that lacked representation of black women in leadership? Seemingly, my voice would only be a small ripple in an ocean of waves–one that no one would notice. And still, I thought the splash would be worth making, so I wrote a 6-page letter to HR. Though it may seem insignificant, the effects of small things bring about change in the world.
“Though it may seem insignificant, the effects of small things bring about change in the world.”
Throwing my pebble
“Dear HR, I am writing to you to address issues I have had over my course of nine years of employment with AHC, and now into the acquisition by your company under the same management. To understand my concerns today, you need to understand my perspective and previous occurrences of racial discrimination. In light of the constant news and publicity surrounding the black lives matter movement, the feelings of being devalued and dismissed have resurfaced. I find myself always in a space wanting to quit to find a place of work that showcases camaraderie, equality, and collaboration regardless of the color of my skin, but because of the COVID-19 outbreak, it’s currently best to stay in the position that I am in working from home.
The toxicity of my silence is mentally and emotionally draining. The fact that I have to consistently document, i.e., when patients praise me for my exceptional customer service; when my white co-workers make a habit of calling out; when others receive the very thing that was denied to me or when things are done or said to me, it is not a healthy job environment to coincide.
Is This Really Happening To Me?
My objective concerns are disheartening and unacceptable. It wasn’t until I began working here that I realized I was “black.” Understand when I say this, I am not saying that I was not aware of my ethnicity before being hired. What I discovered is that “being black” put me at a disadvantage to my white counterparts. I have to do more, be more, and when I attempt to command the airwaves by advocating for myself, I am told things from management that I need to be “more polished,” I am “too blunt,” or I am “too direct.” What I find appalling is that I only hear these phrases at work.
It’s no secret that being “female, black, and strong which to certain people, maintaining a certain mind-set, translate(s) only to “angry.” It is another damaging cliche’, one that’s been used to sweep minority women to the perimeter of every room, an unconscious signal not to listen to what we’ve got to say.”
Michelle Obama – Becoming
As an involved leader in the community and the church as a Pastor’s wife, these phrases do not define how others see me outside my position at work. Even those working with me have a different perspective on my leadership skills than those managing our team. Because of my experiences working here, I am awake to my voice’s power, and I intend to use it for what I believe.
They Can’t Argue Against The Facts.
As I relived each encounter’s pain and anger, I filled the pages with emotions and accurate facts supported by dates, times, and exact verbiage. I let freedom ring–I spoke up for myself. The demand for change vibrated through my story as I stood courageously at the edge of despair.
My letter concluded, stating, “I am aware that we all are constantly evolving, hopefully growing, learning, and becoming better. Excellent leaders know when and when not to take action based on emotion. When it comes to either leader taking action based on their emotion, I have not had my share of great occurrences with either. It is not only unprofessional but unrighteous. I expect more, as it is expected of me in my leadership roles in and out of the office.
I can not speak to their hidden history, what was said or taught in their upbringing behind the closed doors of their homes, but I can testify to that which I know Matthew 7:16 says: “You shall know them by the fruits.”
Something To Own.
This is only a piece of the story that I have endured here while employed. If I don’t deal with it, I choose to live with it, and I believe I have lived with it long enough. It’s not pretty nor perfect. Michelle Obama reminded me in her quote that even when it’s more real than I want it to be, my story is what I have, and it is something to own.”
“If I don’t deal with it, I choose to live with it, and I believe I have lived with it long enough.”
What will you own?
What will you own? Your vote is your right. Your vote is your voice. Your vote is more real than some have led you to believe—your vote can change generations. Your vote can move mountains and tear down walls. Your vote can break corporate ceilings. Your vote can change laws. Your vote is what you have, and it is something to own.
Break your silence
