Just Some Thoughts I’ve Been Having And A Quick Catch-Up.

It’s been quite the week… I would say the past two weeks. I have essentially started two more businesses while also continuing to think up ideas and consider the future of Black women and girls and what that will look like for us. I will say that something has to change, and fast. I continue to listen to stories of women of color all around the world who continue to have the same, if not very similar, experiences when working in corporate “traditional” America. It’s like this time of me facing the fact that it’s simply the fact that its not us, its this “system” we’ve all been forced to participate in. Not to mention while many others tend to receive some degree of support that same support lacks severely for the majority of black women. What concerns me is the fact we have young girls who continue to come behind us and are too being subjected to this same very volatile behavior while trying to create a life of stability in a system that’s severely unstable for herself. It makes me ask the question - where are those advocates on behalf of black women for even workplace safety? 

I refuse to continue to fake it and act like a problem doesn’t exist, to continue to dust off the abuse and keep proceeding without considering whats next and whats going to change for our future after the world keeps showing me that they aren’t even considering us beyond our labor contributions. No ma’am. I want to see us, as Black women, win. To have our own employment opportunities where we are supporting and creating while nurturing our future generations. I wonder if this is what’s happening- intentional separation from careers/jobs. Like could this be not a bad thing but essentially an opportunity for some of us to begin working on solutions for future change for us? 

This problem is layered. And as powerful as we are as Black women, I believe we, as Black women, can absolutely have it all without sacrificing our authenticity,  our safety and who we are at the core. The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over but expecting a different result. An overwhelming number of women and newcomers into the workforce will also experience this along with Black women currently having all these similar experiences, then what? Just continue? 

It’s time for change.

When I hear these stories, it genuinely nearly brings me to tears. Why? I too can relate to their stories—every. single. one. To continue to be in these situations when attempting to “adapt” but yet and still continuing to get the same results? Like, seriously, at some point, sis, something HAS TO change.

When there is a problem and no one listens, it’s time to shift to becoming the difference…the change we want to see.

I am more focused on solutions to this problem more than ever. I also believe that as we continue to move towards the future, Black women can essentially have our own women and girls community. A women & girls-only community where we utilize our skills and experiences to help and support each other. I have been listening to many stories of women, most recently women in the healthcare industry, who have experiences much like the rest of us—abusive behavior in the workplace. One solution I have in mind is health centers where Black women-owned and operated health facilities where black women can support and serve each other. Whether it be senior centers, birthing centers etc.

Why? “One size fits all approaches as society has so conveniently setup as part of this system, simply isn’t working and hasn’t been working. for black women & black girls.” Its interesting because remember in this moment - 2024 “Society doesn’t give a da**” How long have they had to get this right? How long have black women been raising issues with workplace violence?  We deserve a space where we are SAFE. We can heal, grow, and see each other in reflection. Without the rest of the world plucking us of our time and our labor. This is just one of many ideas that I had, but yeah, definitely something to think about.