Have Black women really reached the corporate promise land? Have we really overcome oppression and discrimination in the workplace?
The other day, I was confronted on LinkedIn by a woman of another race. She wanted to know why my upcoming training was only for Black women, because in her opinion – ALL women experience the same issues in the workplace. She believed that my training should be available to ALL women and not limited to only Black women. Then a Black man chimed in and he wished I would stop complaining because his mama and sisters were accomplished in their jobs, and as a race we had overcome and needed to stop making up scenarios that continue to divide us. (deep sigh)
Many want us to believe that the issues Black women experience in the workforce are not confined solely to us. They want us to believe that racial discrimination and racism do not exist in the workplace, and that DEI and the Civil Rights Act of 1964 are racist practices and are no longer needed. There are people in Corporate America who believe affinity bias really isn’t a thing, and that the majority of our white coworkers were not hired because the manager favored them over a Black woman, simply because they shared similar interests, backgrounds, and experiences.
Some want us to believe that there isn’t a wage gap for Black women, and when compared to our non-Hispanic white male counterparts, we really don’t make 67 cents on the dollar as full time, year-round workers.
But we know none of this is true, and that in reality, our experiences have always been different.
In addition to these issues we face in the workplace, many are also dealing with societal trauma caused by police brutality, racial profiling, and just trying to live while Black.
We also can not forget about the generational trauma that has never been properly addressed, which stems back to slavery.
So when someone on social media demands to know why I’m not rooting for ALL women, and only Black women, my answer is simple –
Black women need to first save themselves, before we try to save anyone else.
Now yes, there are books and self-help gurus out there that talk about courage and vulnerability, and how people can begin to heal, but the information they are sharing is from an Anglo-Saxon, white suburban housewife perspective. Many of these gurus also do not have backgrounds in mental health, and their research is based on the opinions of white men who are in leadership positions. Their framework does not include us. Their material was not created with us in mind. Hence, when we try to implement half of the recommendations they are sharing, we realize that none of it works for us.
Black women need to stop depending on white saviors that mainstream media and publishing companies keep pushing on us.
And for those who believe that we have overcome, throughout history movements such as the Women’s Rights and Feminism each used Black women to fight for equality, but in the end, only white women benefited from our efforts (I talk about that more here). Read the room, we are still fighting for a seat at the table. In 2024 we are still fighting for equality, and you know what…it is exhausting!
On September 7, 2022 I released Unbreak My Soul, a work book that helps Black women to understand the trauma(s) they are dealing with, how to navigate hurt in the workplace, and to begin their healing journey from workplace abuse. This book is based on the work I’ve done with professional Black women over the years, in addition to my own personal work trauma experiences. Over the last year Black women who have used the work book have reached out stating they need more…they need safe spaces beyond the ERG’s within their companies to expound on the information that is included in the workbook. They need help processing their feelings and someone to show them how to legally fight back. They need physical support as they navigate through the many land mines they will continue to face in the workplace.
As I’ve continued to facilitate safe spaces over the years for professional Black women, each time I offer a new opportunity for these women; a space where they can let their hair down and exhale, the number of individuals in attendance has grown! As a researcher, I realize there is a growing need for these spaces, especially considering the current racial climate. I also realize that the demand has grown beyond what I can provide as a single entity.
On April 13, 2024 I am hosting the first Unbreak My Soul facilitator certification training in New Orleans, Louisiana. Yes, this is an in-person training. Only those women who have gone through the certification training will have legal permission to utilize the workbook, curriculum, and training materials I have created for groups, presentations, and workshops. I want to ensure that the materials I have created are not being misused to cause further harm to Black women, by providing ongoing guidance and training to the facilitators, and that these individuals are equipped to handle what happens when Pandora’s Box is unlocked.
I would love to have you as a part of my team; together us helping Black women to overcome their work trauma by providing safe space for them to finally exhale, access resources, and feel supported. The last day to submit an application to become a certified Unbreak My Soul facilitator is Wednesday, January 31st.
If you missed the information meeting that took place this past Tuesday, here is the link to watch the replay:
Passcode: !2q.PFwf
Together, let’s create more safe spaces for professional Black women to learn how to fight back and being to heal from workplace trauma!
Click here and apply to become a certified Unbreak My Soul facilitator in 2024.
Dr. Carey Yazeed is a behavioral scientist who specializes in psychological safety in the workplace. She is the creator of the work book, Unbreak My Soul: How Black Women Can Begin To Heal From Workplace Trauma. Dr. Yazeed is currently available for speaking engagements and to facilitate professional development trainings. Click here to learn more.
This article may contain affiliate links from which the author makes a small profit from the sponsor for advertising their products/services. The consumer will not incur any additional charges when making a purchase using an affiliate link.