A deeper look into Black women’s struggles in the workplace – The Famuan

Vice President Kamala Harris lost to former President Donald Trump in the recent presidential election, with Trump securing 312 electoral votes to Harris’ 226.

“I was outraged by the results and am saddened to see that America is not ready for a woman to be the leader of the free world,” said Cassandra Ellis, a former executive at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois. Ellis described the outcome as yet another example of overqualified Black women being overlooked for positions in favor of less qualified men.

“Time and time again, not just me but many great African American women are looked over for several jobs and high positions,” Ellis said.

Amari Jefferson, a recent college graduate, echoed these sentiments, sharing her experiences in the workforce. “Even being one of the more educated people at my job, I am still being looked down upon and not taken seriously,” Jefferson said.

Black women in America often navigate a unique and challenging position. Despite their significant contributions, they face systemic barriers that hinder professional advancement. Harris, the first Black woman to serve as vice president, highlighted these struggles. While her historic election was celebrated, it underscored the reality many Black women face: being overeducated, overworked, and underappreciated.

A recent Washington Post poll revealed that 92% of Black women voted for Harris, reflecting their unwavering support for a candidate who resonated with their experiences and aspirations. “Black women’s political choices are often informed by their lived experiences and the systemic inequalities they confront,” said FAMU gender studies professor Tameka McNeil-Brown.

Many Black women are highly educated, often holding multiple degrees, but this educational attainment does not always translate to professional success. Studies show Black women are frequently overqualified for the roles they occupy but are still overlooked for higher-level positions.

“As a Black person in this country, you have to work twice, sometimes three times as hard as our white counterparts,” said Keone Evans, an entrepreneur. “And being Black women, we’re overlooked nine out of 10 times for leadership positions.”

The National Women’s Law Center has found that Black women face biases during hiring processes, where their qualifications are disregarded due to stereotypes. Alexis Rejouis, a news producer, described how her job interview process felt more rigorous compared to what her colleagues experienced.

The workplace environment often exacerbates these challenges. Sociologists refer to this dual struggle of navigating workplace dynamics and societal expectations as the “Black woman’s burden.” Tanya Jackson, a prominent military leader, said, “Black women’s work, both in and out of the office, is often invisible. Even when we contribute significantly, our labor goes unnoticed.”

These systemic inequities also impact mental health. Barbara Carr, an insurance executive, noted that workplace stress and the pressure to excel despite obstacles lead to burnout. The American Psychological Association has found that marginalized groups, including Black women, experience higher stress levels, resulting in adverse health outcomes.

While Harris’s rise to the vice presidency marked progress, it’s clear more work is needed to ensure equitable opportunities for Black women in all sectors. Advocates are pushing for policies supporting equal opportunity in hiring, mentorship programs, and greater representation of Black women in leadership roles.

“We need to elevate the voices of Black women and create pathways for their success, recognizing their value in the workplace and society as a whole,” Jackson said.

Black women’s resilience amid systemic adversity spans centuries. Their overeducation, overwork, and underappreciation stem from systemic failures that demand attention. Alethia Owens, an advocate, said, “We should strive for this to be a norm—not something we’re shocked by, but something regular.”

By addressing these inequities and advocating for change, society can begin to dismantle barriers and ensure Black women are valued for their contributions.

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