“The most disrespected person in America is the black woman. The most unprotected person in America is the black woman. The most neglected person in America is the black woman.” ~Malcolm X
As we continue to fight for justice for Breonna Taylor, a Louisville EMT who was murdered by police during a no-knock raid in March 2020, America’s treatment of black women is finally under the microscope.
Black women contribute immensely to American society: they are the most educated group in the nation and have repeatedly demonstrated a commitment to change and impact by turning up en masse at the voting booths. That said, their needs are largely overlooked by mainstream American society (higher mortality rate among black mothers giving birth than other ethnicities and less likely to enjoy career advancement or salary equality with their white counterparts). Further, there is a continued and pervasive expectation that black women conform to certain beauty norms in order to be deemed worthy or acceptable — especially at work.
I was recently interviewed by writer and Ain’t I Latina? founder, Janel Martinez, for Well+Good on the topic of micro-aggressions and the ways in which the “grooming gap” disproportionately affect black women. The article has important statistics and takeaways so please read and share with your networks. You can find the full article here.
By the time of this post, the fight for Breonna Taylor is still under way as we seek justice for her and her family — including among other things, the arrest of the officers involved in her murder. Please find resources and information on how you can help here.
Sending love + light.
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