Why Our Impact Report, Reflections 2020, Matters Right Now

Workplace oppression in the U.S. stems from roots of a chattel slavery-based, patriarchal, capitalist economy that created a system of race-, class-, and gender-based discrimination. These dynamics still impact social, political, and economic freedoms; some people experience disproportionate discrimination and poverty while others experience heightened privilege and affluence. As women who are also Black, BlackFemaleProject participants are exponentially impacted by oppression in the workplace and broader community; it impacts their access to education, earnings, chances of being promoted, ability to provide for their families, and their overall wellness.

Over the past five years, BlackFemaleProject has collected and shared women’s stories in print and as podcast audio, and hosted numerous events and workshops—streamed online and in person—to center Black women in statewide and national conversations about women and oppression at work (equal pay, #metoo, #workingwhileblack).

We partnered with researcher Dr. Tameka L. McGlawn on our inaugural impact report, Reflections 2020, in order to lift up what we’ve learned from our deep listening to individual and collective stories of professional Black women. In addition to reporting on key findings, the report also shares the ways we imagine moving our work forward, and invites the engagement and insights of our audience and community.

We hope that Reflections 2020 will help illuminate patterns of intersecting injustices for our employers, colleagues, and all people, and that the information in the report will inspire new commitment to creating inclusive work environments, particularly for Black women

This work—the work of BlackFemaleProject and the broader work of eliminating systemic racism—requires financial investment. We anticipate that Reflections 2020 will help to increase our reach, generate more funding opportunities, and ultimately help us to serve more Black women.
To learn more about supporting our work, email info@blackfemaleproject.org.