Season 1 Episode 1 of the Dear Black Woman Podcast
Across the world, Black women share powerful stories of resilience, struggle, and triumph. Despite the different countries we live in and the unique cultural experiences we have, there are common threads that bind us together as Black women. We explore these shared experiences, drawing on personal stories from Black women in various parts of the world, including insights from Dear Black Woman author Kami Redd, and her co-hosts, Nicole Davis and Lauren Edwards.
Navigating Professional Spaces as Black Women
From the UK to France to the United States, Black women are all too familiar with the challenge of being overlooked or undervalued in the workplace. Nicole Davis, a coach in emotional intelligence from Paris, shares her journey of being passed over for a promotion despite being highly qualified. “It was given to an old friend of my boss,” she recalls, “someone with no professional credentials, no degree, not even a second language.” This story resonates with many Black women who have faced similar situations, where qualifications and experience are often ignored in favor of less qualified individuals. The weight of being unseen and unacknowledged is a universal experience for Black women in professional environments.
Similarly, Lauren Edwards, an educational entrepreneur from the UK, speaks about the subtle yet persistent racial biases she encounters in her work. Running a preschool and helping women of diverse backgrounds find employment, she often faces prejudices that manifest in unexpected ways. “I’ve noticed that in employment and business, people sometimes just need a Black person to tick a box,” Lauren explains. This speaks to the broader issue of tokenism, where Black women are often brought into spaces for appearances rather than genuine inclusion.
In the U.S., Dear Black Woman author Kami Redd shares her own story of navigating predominantly white spaces. Growing up in Georgia, Kami attended mostly white schools and participated in political events with her father, a government worker. She speaks about the duality of code-switching—having to act one way at home and another in the world. “None of my teachers could pronounce my name correctly, and when I corrected them, they still didn’t care to say it right.” Kami’s experience highlights the constant negotiation of identity that many Black women face in professional and social environments.
The Challenge of Representation and Identity
Growing up Black in predominantly white spaces often shapes how Black women perceive themselves and their place in the world. Nicole and Lauren both recount their experiences of being the only Black girls in their schools and workplaces, highlighting how isolating that can feel. “I grew up in a white suburban area,” Lauren says, “and I suppose it wasn’t until someone made a racist comment that I was reminded I was different.”
Kami echoes this sentiment, speaking about the racial divide she encountered in rural America. “We’re not only racially divided, but we’re also divided by gender,” she explains, highlighting how Black women, in particular, face multiple layers of discrimination. “Black men in these rural cities often have the same mindset as white men when it comes to gender roles, and they don't realize they are being tokenized in their own communities.”
In France, Nicole describes a similar feeling of invisibility. “Black people here feel like they’re in hiding,” she says. Unlike in the United States, where Black culture is more visible and vocal, Nicole explains that in France, “Black people don’t even smile or acknowledge each other in the street.” This disconnect within the Black community in Europe reflects the broader cultural differences and challenges Black women face depending on where they live.
Overcoming the Legacy of Colonialism and Division
One of the underlying themes that surfaced in the discussion was the lasting impact of colonization on Black communities worldwide. The legacy of colonialism has not only affected economic and political structures but has also left a deep mark on how Black people interact with one another. “Our history is based on colonization, and in order to keep us separated, we were forced apart,” Nicole explains. This separation still affects how Black women communicate and form relationships with each other.
However, Black women are reclaiming their power. By recognizing the history of colonization and its emotional impact, they are working to build stronger connections within the community. This involves learning from the past, healing from generational trauma, and fostering better communication with one another.
Finding Strength in Community and Friendship
Despite the challenges, Black women continue to support each other and build lasting friendships. Lauren and Nicole both emphasize the importance of Black friendships in navigating the complexities of life. Whether it's having a close-knit group of friends or finding allies in the workplace, the power of community cannot be understated.
Kami speaks on this as well, noting the importance of bridging the generational divide among Black women in the workplace. “Older Black women sometimes discriminate against younger Black women, and that’s where a lot of tension comes from,” she says. “We need to find better ways to support each other instead of competing.”
Lauren reflects on how Black women often have to balance their desire to support others with the need for self-care. “We are nurturing, we are givers,” she says. This empathetic nature is both a strength and a burden, as Black women often prioritize others before themselves. Understanding when to let go of toxic relationships or set boundaries is key to maintaining mental and emotional well-being.
Moving Forward: Amplifying Our Voices
As we continue to navigate our journeys as Black women, it’s essential to share our stories and amplify our voices. By coming together and supporting each other, we create spaces where Black women can thrive, no matter where in the world they are. We must continue to challenge the systems that seek to diminish us while embracing our power and resilience.
Black women across the globe are rewriting the narrative. From starting businesses to leading communities, we are creating our own paths and reclaiming our stories. As Nicole eloquently puts it, “You are seen. You are loved. You are able. Don’t doubt yourself. You have agency. Go for it.”
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