Women at the Forefront, a Dual Dilemma for some, as Gender and Racial Biases Intersect

When Black women are in charge, making important decisions in workplaces and municipalities, their leadership roles are a dual dilemma—for some. This really isn’t something new. But, what is new is that more of us are in positions of power and receiving credit for leading movements and transforming policy across the nation. We are capable and always have been. It seems that some of our fellow Americans are starting to catch on. 

From San Francisco Mayor London Breed to Stacey Abrams (lawyer, voting rights activist, political figure and author), we are no longer simply behind the scenes. Black women, serve as modern day representations of Maya Angelou’s “Phenomenal Woman,” with their heads held high, authority in their voices, and bringing pride to the ancestors. 

When working for change in public sector positions, the black female perspective considers the entirety of society, not only the interests of the people they most closely relate to. This is reflective of our deep understanding of the interconnectedness of all humanity. Ancient civilizations understood this in a way that modern societies do not. This is not to say that our naiveté allows us to believe that the tribal tendencies of humans are not biologically supported but, in order to evolve, some group must take steps forward. Black women are not simply choosing these roles; many of us are called to them. Having experienced overlapping and intersecting race and gender biases, we are able to see the complexities of society with a keen eye.  We understand that collective healing is necessary if we hope to evolve. 

As the footprint of Black women widens, we all must broaden our perspectives and invite Black women to the table. As more Americans begin to trust Black women, our society will be strengthened. 

Throughout the course of history, Black women have led the way toward a more just future, starting first at home with our families, faith-based networks, communities, then out into cities, regions, and nations. Freedom-seeking heroines of every generation have led the way, learning from their lived experiences to inspire change and demand action. Fueled by unrelenting fortitude harnessed to an unwavering power of spiritual faith, the legacy of their pursuits offer hope and challenge social norms.

Women of non-patriarchal and post-Colonial societies are regaled for leadership abilities.  Conversely, in more instances than should be, Black women toggle between challenges of outdated workplace hierarchal modalities, fighting stereotypes and the impact of internalized trauma from racism, sexism, compounded by other stresses of doing the work.

Solidarity is the word of the day. Black women will work together. We will shine light on the dark places where racism and sexism pervade. This work is an offering to a nation that is hurting from its own making. 

The conundrum is glaring.

There is a cost to being a strong Black woman. Studies of the stereotype find Black women are perceived as resilient, strong, and caring; the challenges that would break others appear to build the strength of Black women. Scholars suggest this persona developed as a survival strategy during slavery. While the Black woman leads and works to ensure her friends, family, community, and society are better, her physical and mental health suffer. The Black woman continues to sacrifice for the good of others but her pain and struggle are still so often silenced and invisible.

Still we rise.

Today, we shine our light. Character and commitment matter. It is time to vote for, hire, and promote Black women; to stop questioning their abilities through subtle disregard and disrespect. We affirm in the collective that this will no longer be. Moving forward, Black women will stand up for one another in the work space. It is well past time to share resources for jobs because inevitably, some of us will get fired when we start telling the truth—truths that can no longer be denied.

We encourage Black women to connect with networks that can support you. We are in this together.  We invite and appreciate our supporters of all hues and identities. We need everyone—including you—to stand up for Black women at work.

Contributed by:

Sheryl Evans Davis, Executive Director, San Francisco Human Rights Commission
https://sf-hrc.org/

Precious J. Stroud, Founder, BlackFemaleProject
www.blackfemaleproject.org