I am new to being higher ed staff: a college chaplain at a PWI in the Midwest (grew up in the South). The phenomenon about speaking out and white colleagues agreeing in silence or after the fact is relatable AF. I also feel torn about whether to speak as someone also impacted by gendered racism +
racialized sexism. It is exhausting and lonely. Another phenomenon that leaves me feeling like Black women and non-men's voices aren't valued is when I see white colleagues perform taking our influence, but rejecting it in action. I don't know why white folks think this is less hurtful.... It just breaks trust.
"Exhausting and lonely" is so real. I spent nearly 20 years being the only (or one of two) and realized the isolation had really gotten to me. I moved to a different institution where there are more women of color and it's made a huge difference.
Ooof, that is a long time to be lonely. :'( I'm glad you were able to move to an institution where you have more company who understand. Part of why I picked the institution that I am a part of is because there were plenty of non-men of color in my division, even if I am the only non-man of color in my chaplaincy team right now.
Thank you for being that voice. I understand how isolating it can feel, but know there are bright young minds coming behind you and your voice continues to pave the way for them as the way was paved for you.
It may not seem equal, but the goal should be each one reach. Or teach one.
Just remember to take that cape off and get it cleaned every now and then, (Sacred Self-Care) but know there are many of us who appreciate your “super powers”.
Dr. Chanequa - thank you for this. I experience this in my Black church and Black auxiliary organizations so I can only imagine how heightened it is in academia.
There is a saying that we should pick our battles but we didn’t choose to be black women nor for people to talk down on us and our ideas. so I am telling you, thank you for speaking up!! Never stop talking.
Thank you for speaking up. I am sorry you have been the lone voice in the room so often. I’m working on joining you (albeit in a different industry). Thank you for continuing to inspire and show me how it’s done!
I am new to being higher ed staff: a college chaplain at a PWI in the Midwest (grew up in the South). The phenomenon about speaking out and white colleagues agreeing in silence or after the fact is relatable AF. I also feel torn about whether to speak as someone also impacted by gendered racism +
racialized sexism. It is exhausting and lonely. Another phenomenon that leaves me feeling like Black women and non-men's voices aren't valued is when I see white colleagues perform taking our influence, but rejecting it in action. I don't know why white folks think this is less hurtful.... It just breaks trust.
"Exhausting and lonely" is so real. I spent nearly 20 years being the only (or one of two) and realized the isolation had really gotten to me. I moved to a different institution where there are more women of color and it's made a huge difference.
Ooof, that is a long time to be lonely. :'( I'm glad you were able to move to an institution where you have more company who understand. Part of why I picked the institution that I am a part of is because there were plenty of non-men of color in my division, even if I am the only non-man of color in my chaplaincy team right now.
Thank you for being that voice. I understand how isolating it can feel, but know there are bright young minds coming behind you and your voice continues to pave the way for them as the way was paved for you.
It may not seem equal, but the goal should be each one reach. Or teach one.
Just remember to take that cape off and get it cleaned every now and then, (Sacred Self-Care) but know there are many of us who appreciate your “super powers”.
Dr. Chanequa - thank you for this. I experience this in my Black church and Black auxiliary organizations so I can only imagine how heightened it is in academia.
There is a saying that we should pick our battles but we didn’t choose to be black women nor for people to talk down on us and our ideas. so I am telling you, thank you for speaking up!! Never stop talking.
Thank you for speaking up. I am sorry you have been the lone voice in the room so often. I’m working on joining you (albeit in a different industry). Thank you for continuing to inspire and show me how it’s done!