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Our Black San Diego

Black in Corporate America

2/21/2020

7 Comments

 
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Most know me as a Realtor but my career path has always been full-time accountant. All I know is math, I’ve loved math since I was a kid but now, it’s gotten me to a point where I absolutely hate it. I never thought I would ever see the day where those words, “I hate math” would be a thought. Math has always been my thing. It’s literally like putting together the smallest pieces of a puzzle together or simply telling a dope ass story with numbers. When I dissect why I no longer love math, it comes down to simply being Black in Corporate America.

I’ve been through the shit and back. Written up, “are you having problems at home,” “do your kids live with you,” “your hair is cute, I just want to touch it” I’ve had to keep a journal of my work life, documenting every incident when all I’ve ever wanted was to be a damn accountant. Instead, I’ve become an author, writing an autobiography of the last year of my life, wanting someone to publish me and the world to simply read and understand my story. To protect me and my passion for numbers but I was failed countless times. I was written up on 20 items that were filled with discrimination and lies. I had to take 4 hours of my life to write a rebuttal, “reference page one and two" and explain how management style was hostile in nature causing a hostile environment which caused me serve mental anguish. Did I grab your attention? Spending time in HR to explain all of the facts only to have majority of my write up removed because in their words, you were very professional, articulate, and chose the high road. As if I’m some dumb little black girl that doesn’t know how to act outside of being ghetto. Man, fuck y’all! (Is that ghetto enough)! I told you 6 months ago but only because now it’s in black and white, its enough to start an investigation. You see, you didn’t realize I was well organized and well versed in accounting files. You only saw one thing in me that allowed you to overlook that your notes didn’t match the facts. Most would call you a liar, but I would like to call you a racist. (Again, fuck y’all) Have I grabbed your attention other than the color of my skin, or the color of my braids. Now we’re on to mediation to “solve and make a healthier environment but you know it won’t happen overnight.”  Well, how about 2 ½ months? Is that enough time to make the discriminator stop or do I need to continue to suffer through more pain before you get it.
 
On Jan 13, 2020, I finally had enough. Enough of the belittling, enough of the down talking, the overloading of work, the harassment and the discrimination. I simply had enough. My mental capacity just couldn’t and wouldn’t’ allow another day of being Black in Corporate America
 
So, when you say effective immediately, you mean….
 
It means, my desk is clear, here are my keys, I’m done.
 
 
What does it truly mean to be Black in Corporate America?
 
It means having to work harder, smarter, longer, without mistakes. It means being a robot and saying yes, whatever you need done, while your counterparts can work less, with mistakes and be less qualified. Being Black in Corporate America will have you questioning and doubting your worth, thinking maybe it’s time for a career change because you’re not cut out for this kind of work. You’re not good enough. But in all actuality, the system was not designed for us to succeed in a cultural that needs diversity and inclusion training. Why does this type of training exist anyways? I mean, I know not to walk up and ask why do your chink eyes look that way. I know better than to ask are you having problems at home. I also know better than to single you out based on the color of your skin. We don’t need any diversity and inclusion training but for some reason others do, others like you.  Is it a sense of entitlement or is it just plain ignorance?
 
Society says, go to college, get a degree, find a good job in corporate America, so you can afford to live the American dream. However, what society failed to mention was the American dream didn’t include me and my blackness. It didn’t include my perfectly versatile hair, nor did it include my black thoughts and black feelings.
 
I am no longer Black in Corporate America; I don’t know if I ever will be again. I fought so long for a seat at their table but now, I’m choosing to create my own table. Who needs a seat?

- A Quiet Girl, with a lot of Shit to Say 

Some Black in Corporate America reads:
www.nytimes.com/2019/12/09/us/black-in-corporate-america-report.html

www.nbcnews.com/news/nbcblk/blacks-corporate-america-still-largely-invisible-study-finds-n1098981
​

www.talentinnovation.org/_private/assets/BeingBlack-KeyFindings-CTI.pdf
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7 Comments
Shellanee
2/21/2020 08:32:10 am

I know this will help many men and women exit denial. Knowing your worth and having to prove it day in and day out is a mental and emotional trap. Creating a life balance (which I believe doesn’t last long because life is full of changing variables) is a dance battle on its own, but you my friend are a champ! May your experiences, knowledge and expertise continue to equip others who are receptive and a part of solutions. To say I am proud of you is an understatement. The marathon continues.

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Ashley
2/21/2020 08:54:04 am

such an amazing read! I know anyone who is black has felt the same way.

Reply
Deon Westbrook
2/21/2020 09:16:46 am

Wow!!!!! I’m proud of you !!

I’m sorry you went through that B.S. but I’m happy you stood up fought back and now you’re taking destiny in your own hands!!

You’re a great Realtor and I know that closed corporate America door has only opens the flood gates in Real Estate for you!!!

I say we get 3-5 families into homes quickly and that may make up your whole salary from that job in the first quarter of this year. Then we absolutely kill it the rest of the year.

I’m a firm believer that everything happens for a reason. God has a plan for you and it’s time for it to unfold!! So on to bigger and better things for you and your family!!

Great post and I’m proud of you!!

Reply
Jabril Muhummed
2/21/2020 10:14:43 am

#RESPECT

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Kenya Lee
2/21/2020 10:33:37 am

This is awesome man I’m speechless this is exactly how I feel. Well said LOVE IT

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Terean Cook
2/21/2020 11:47:18 am

I applaud you, very well said! I have felt this way at pretty much every job I’ve ever had and it’s the reason I retired at the age of only 54 with only 18 years in, from San Diego Superior Court, and I have vowed to never ever work in “white corporate America” again! You’re headed up the right path now so keep ya head up, keep the faith!

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Marvel
2/21/2020 09:18:57 pm

Thank you Sis! I wish you the best in your coming endeavors!

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