Being black in corporate America is no less of a struggle than the rest of “black life”. I’m pretty sure at some point in our lives we have all heard the same speech about having to be twice as good and work twice as hard to get the same things. Growing up I used to think that hard work would take me to the moon and back, but I was quite mistaken.
Being black in America we are constantly forced to face the reality that we are one wrong, right or indifferent move away from losing it all and corporate America is no different.
I waited nervously for the receptionist to call my name. I scanned the office looking for friendly black faces. “Sh*t, no one”, I thought to myself. The one thing I dreaded more than anything in life was looking for a job. I gently brushed at my edges to make sure they were still in tact. I played with one of my curls as I waited. “I should have straightened my hair”, I thought to myself. Before I could give myself anymore grief a voice snapped me from my thoughts. “Alonna – nice to meet you”. “Alaina”, I corrected as I extended my hand”. The woman’s eye’s went straight to my hair and for a split second my face almost showed what my mind was thinking. Before I knew it I was being escorted to an office – this was it…SHOWTIME.
Being black in America we are constantly forced to face the reality that we are one wrong, right or indifferent move away from losing it all and corporate America is no different. As a black female with a a Computer Science bachelor’s and master’s degree, I have ranged from being the only woman at the company to being the only black woman to being the only black person at all. Although there are many talented and gifted melanin folks among us, we are generally few. Yet everyday we come to work and code switch with the best of them. What Suzie, Randy, Bill and Jan don’t know, wont hurt them. However, if you are struggling to be your authentic self, speech aside, use these tips to keep you grounded.
- Get rid of those ethnic styles like locs, braids and afros. These styles are highly unprofessional…SIKE! Rock your natural crown proudly and confidently, let your work speak for itself. India Arie said it best when she said “I am not my hair”. Work that room with your hair laid in whatever style you so choose.
- Ooze confidence like its flowing through your veins. This will A. Piss a lot of people off or
B. Gain there respect. Either way they cant stop your shine or your hustle. - If that HBCU taught you one thing, its keep the receipts plentiful. Don’t ever let anyone have room to put blame on you for something you didn’t do. Trust me, they will try. Once they hear those infamous words, “per the thread below,” or “per my last email,” followed by some words to get EVERYONE together, they will leave you alone.
- Show people that you are more than your “blackness”. 9 times out of ten you will eventually get a Migos or a Drake lyric referenced in a random sentence in order for someone to try to relate to you. Show them that you are versatile. Show them you are well traveled, well read and make them rue the day they hit you with a Walk It Like I Talk It quote.
- Lastly, listen to your inner voice and confront your fears head on. Don’t shy away from situations because you are few. Make your presence known, in a good way. Be social, be vibrant, be you.Until next time….stay YOUNG, BLACK and NAPPY, even in Corporate America.
