I'm Blackity Black Black Black ✊

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#WednesdayWisdom

"Nobody's free until everybody's free." — Fannie Lou Hamer

Morning Musings

One of my favorite parts about my job is the Black affinity group. Every 6-8 weeks, we gather on Zoom (as we're a largely virtual organization with teams in six regions across the country) to share love, laughter and lessons learned.

Simply having a space to commune with other Black professionals is a gift within itself. I remember when I was interviewing and the hiring manager (hi, Monique!) mentioned there was an affinity group for people of color. 

It's a good thing it was a phone interview because my jaw literally dropped. "Wait, you have enough people of color for a POC affinity group?" I was astonished. And once I joined the team, I learned that not only was there a POC affinity group, but there were subsets -- Black, Latinx, Asian American Pacific Islander, Muslim, you name it! 

Coming from my previous organization where I was often the only Black girl in the room -- a phenomenon fellow Shine writer Martha Tesema perfectly describes as "representation burnout" -- you can imagine my delight.

But if we're keeping it all the way 100, there was a time in the not-so-distant past that I would have done everything in my power to distance myself from fellow Black colleagues, namely due to fear of being lumped into the "stereotypical Black" category (you know the one, lazy, uneducated, "ghetto"). I'm not proud of my behavior and I've still got some growing and learning to do (don't we all?).

And if I'm being perfectly honest, I believe part of that fear was due to lack of Black pride and ignorance on the totality of the Black experience. I spent most of my formative years wishing I were white, or at the very least, something other than Black.

You wouldn't know it by looking at me now -- a 31-year-old Black woman whose proud of every curve, every curl, but let's just say 16-year-old me would never dare wear her natural hair, African prints or pro-Black shirts. 

You can read more about my journey in these pieces:
How I Learned to Love My Brown Skin
Claiming My Seat at the Black Table
How 2016 Became My Blackest Year Yet

It's true I've come a long way, and I've still got a ways to go. I'm not sure that our journeys to "finding ourselves" or self-actualization are ever really complete. But if you want someone to listen to yours, my inbox and DMs are always open.

Love,
L'Oreal

ICYMI

After a two-year hiatus, my #GirlBOSS blog series is back with a new look and a new name. The inaugural edition of Women @ Work features my girl, Anuli Akanegbu of The Intersection newsletter, which is among my favorites (and not just because she's my friend soul mate). Learn more about Anuli on the blog.

And, because I care (as Anuli would say), be sure to also check out my Galentine's Gift Guide featuring great ideas from women authors and/or women-owned businesses for your bestie (or yourself, I'm not judging). #TreatYoSelf

Links I Love (#BHM Edition)

1. Symbolism and Cynicism: On Being a Writer During Black History Month 

2. TLC's "No Scrubs" is 20 Years Old, And it Still Teaches Me the Power of Saying No

3. A Black Legacy, Wrapped Up in Fur

My Latest Obsession

I'm a prime target for sponsored Instagram posts, but every now and then the algorithm works in my favor. When I first saw My Pride Apparel's "I'm Black Mixed With Black" sweatshirt, I knew I had to have it. Throw in the fact that it's a Black-owned company and I was sold. So when I bought the "B.A.E. (Black and Educated)" hoodie for my sister for Christmas, I threw one in the mix for me, too, and patiently waited to debut it on the first day of Black History Month. Needless to say, it was met with rave reviews. Get yours here.

Now Hiring

1. Graphic Designer for OprahMag.com

2. Director of Marketing and Communications for Hubbard Street Dance Chicago

3. Press Secretary to the President for Planned Parenthood

4. Executive Director, Media and Public Relations for the Fashion Institute of Technology 

5. Beauty Editor for Teen Vogue

6. Director of Development for Women's Business Development Center

7. Design Director for Seed

8. Director, Corporate Social Media for WeWork

9. Director of Field Operations for Kendra Scott

10. for The OpEd Project

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