This hashtag is highlighting the workplace racism experienced by black women on a daily basis
The racism that black women experience daily in the workplace is a massive problem, and the viral hashtag #BlackWomenAtWork is creating a space for those stories to be told.
The hashtag surfaced on Tuesday after Fox News commentator Bill O’Reilly criticized Congresswoman Maxine Waters’ hair, calling it “a wig.” That same day, Press Secretary Sean Spicer told April Ryan, a White House correspondent and reporter for American Urban Radio Networks, to “stop shaking her head.”
Brittany Packnett created the hashtag to remind the public that black women experience undue criticism every day, and the treatment of Waters and Ryan aren’t rare.
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"It isn’t new. It is the daily experience of black women in the work place — at all levels — laid bare for the public to finally see with naked eyes," Packnett told Mashable. "These women at least deserve respect as humans, let alone as professionals. They received neither. It is absolutely unacceptable. They deserve the respect that their humanity, their accomplishments, and their work demands."
Take a look at some examples below:
Once, I asked for a raise after 2 yrs. I discovered my manager lied saying I didn't have a degree.I had 2 college degrees. #BlackWomenAtWork
— Lisa Barber (@PhysicalCanvas) March 29, 2017
Surprised from white folks when you tell them you have a graduate degree as well, like they didn't expect it. #BlackWomenAtWork
— PhillyJawn (AcademicActivist), MSOD (@BrainyAcademic) March 29, 2017
I say I teach. People ask "what grade?" I say I teach college. They ask "community college?" I'm on UC Berkeley's faculty. #BlackWomenAtWork
— Minister of ClimateJusticeFiction Propaganda🇵🇷 (@AyadeLeon) March 29, 2017
Me: hey I really loved this script..is that role open?
Them: Oh, we aren't will to "go ethnic" on that role #BlackWomenAtWork in Hollywood
— jurnee smollett (@jurneesmollett) March 29, 2017
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And the Congresswoman herself joined in with a powerful message.
I am a strong black woman. I cannot be intimidated, and I'm not going anywhere. #BlackWomenAtWork
— Maxine Waters (@RepMaxineWaters) March 29, 2017
Be sure to keep your eye on this powerful hashtag, and the powerful women behind it.
