How to Cope with Being the Only Black Person at Work

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How to Cope with Being the Only Black Person at Work

Рет қаралды 4,436

L- Majesty

Күн бұрын

Пікірлер: 118

@daydreamerz 4 ай бұрын

Exhausting. It is unimaginably lonely and exhausting to be a black STEM professional. Every weekend my white colleagues do the absolute most, out on the town, while I'm recuperating at home so I can make it through another week. I like my work, but I wish to God there were more Black people to balance the racial environment.

@augustusbrown5320 3 ай бұрын

❤

@nellatl 2 ай бұрын

Im in tech too. You are absolutely right. We weekend are spent recovering and emotionally repairing for the next week. I document everything now.

@JPVlogs-k8w 18 күн бұрын

get a lawyer 😊@@nellatl

@gregorriusadolphus2729 7 ай бұрын

ALLLLL of this! I just left a six-figure job (with no backup job)because of all of THAT...doing all that you stated. I hung on for 4 years and couldn't take it anymore. I'm 46 and I've ridden this rodeo too many times in my working life. I am TIRED of it. I am officially burnt out. I worked in tech in the last 6 years, and I tell you, I experienced MORE racism at these "progressive tech companies" that trumpet DEI than I EVER did while working in old skool banking (which is a good ol' boy network). I also was promoted each year at the bank and was the only black in my spaces...and was treated with respect. Not so much in tech....make it make sense! I will say that my white European coworkers were the best; they also noticed how the Americans treated me......a black AMERICAN.

@kozmickitsuneame 3 ай бұрын

Try to do what you can to retire as early as possible because nothing is worth the amount of stress that accompany some of this stuff. I understand that there are some people that love their job but the workplace shenanigans have gotten out of control. I would honestly take Scotland or even Norway over California or new york. People have had to move their businesses out of those places because of the borderline schizophrenic attitudes of people in the workplace. It doesn't matter how skilled you are, how professional you are, or even how naturally quite polite you are. I have had people get in my face, falsely accuse me without any actual proof while they're doing the very thing that they're accusing everybody else doing. I used to be a lot friendlier in my twenties but over the years I've kind of had to become very cold and calculating especially when it comes to my money because people like to mess with that too whenever possible.

@shawnmack1095 22 күн бұрын

Same here..I was apart of the DEI forum at work and I was the only black man and one of 8 from America and they had no damn clue of what they were talking about and dismissed everything I said until I just left the group..then the targeting came...all of a sudden "we didn't discuss a raise for the supervisor role "

@eva09771 3 ай бұрын

It's a game to them..they play in our face and dare us to say something. When we do sadly things get worse. It's sick mind games.

@augustusbrown5320 3 ай бұрын

Now this my Sister!!!!!!❤

@AuthorJanaeMarie 7 ай бұрын

Basically having to”code switch” at work.

@AuthorJanaeMarie 7 ай бұрын

Let’s discuss the black professional who committed suicide because she was a young black woman who was being bullied by her white boss. She was like a HBCU Administrator. Antionette Candia-Bailey

@l-majesty3287 7 ай бұрын

Janae I read that account. It was yet another example of black professionals having to fight for their lives within predominantly white work spaces. I can only imagine how hard it was for Antoinette to not be believed and have her observations undermined only for her employer to take leave with pay as a remedial action. Equity is impossible where diversity is sparse.

@timekaschannel 7 ай бұрын

I heard about that. I don’t believe she committed suicide, but was murdered.

@Elaina944 6 ай бұрын

@@timekaschannelShe committed suicide. She wrote a long letter so, STOP IT !

@AuthorJanaeMarie 6 ай бұрын

@@l-majesty3287That’s a whole word! Ugh I get so tired of having to feel like the “other.” Like I can’t be myself. My heart goes out to the lady and her family.

@janesamuels7714 2 ай бұрын

😢😢😢😢😢

@AuthorJanaeMarie 7 ай бұрын

I completely agree. It’s a lot of going along to get along. But at times I do wonder if I’m being sabotaged at work. Just today my system wasn’t functioning properly and I was like wow! I’ve never had this happen before. If I didn’t pay attention I could have made some mistakes.

@steeltown2946 3 ай бұрын

Another red flag is when they secretly gossip about you. You will know, because when you enter the room. They stop talking OR flat-out leave the room. When you get hired at these types of jobs, just GET OUT. Don't stay because of the money. It isn't worth going to work everyday feeling worthless.

@lockhart8858 2 ай бұрын

This is why I work part time only & haven’t taken a full time position- I realized that I can only deal with their toxicity part time 😊

@kjhaygood Ай бұрын

I love this comment. “I can only deal with you part time” is my new saying 😂

@tamikahill4778 Ай бұрын

This is what I did over 5 years ago and haven't regretted it yet. I did make cuts in my spending but my piece is intact.

@ChrisGrand7 4 ай бұрын

Love your transparency. I thought my education as a physician would alleviate some of the racial bias I experienced but no. They couldn’t care less about a brother’s money, education, or knowledge. Newly subscribed.

@Arissa4ever 7 ай бұрын

Thank you for articulating my feelings about working in corporate America as a black person. I’m been blessed to work remotely since 2020, however my company decided to move to a hybrid schedule in March. And how convenient for them, that the job market is complete shit right now and fully remote work is hard to come by in 2024. So now I get to deal with all the passive and not so passive aggressive bullshit in person, since I can’t just up and quit. However, I am glad people like yourself are speaking out about our experiences, because it is so unhealthy to keep our feelings inside. I pray for the mental health of my black brothers and sisters cause navigating this shit is not easy🖤

@Kayla_chosen1 2 ай бұрын

Working as an intern for one of the largest banks I’ve definitely experienced this.. this was a huge shocker. The only plus side is being able to deal with the passive aggressiveness outside of the work field due to me being adjusted to it. One day the racism stops and then when they realize you’re black it starts up again. Why can’t they just accept I am a black woman, there’s million of us!! I just want to make my Money and go home !

@theyayachacha 2 ай бұрын

Thank you, man! I speak good English despite the fact that I am an immigrant with an accent. I had the top grade in both English Composition 1 and 2 classes in a predominantly white College. I have always questioned the fact that when I speak, they pretend that they don’t understand me while I am very clear. I used to even record myself so I could check this out. This has happened too many times, even in different cities. This made me feel bad about myself so many times, and I always thought I could not make it. If they do this to you, how much more to a darker folk like myself. You just made me whole, man. You just cured me from something I have been suffering from for years, though minor psychological pain. I was suspicious about this. You made my suspicion a reality. I will build a plan to face this condition when it happens again.

@Will-pn5uz 3 ай бұрын

I am a late-career (58 yo) aerospace engineer and I have a lot of technical expertise gained from early career opportunities that my colleagues, who are a lot younger, don't have. I am, of course, the only black. Because of this, I am constantly under attack by the various ways that you spoke of. This video touched on some good points and gave some advice that I wish I had used long ago. I telework twice a week and whenever I have a virtual training. This is what is keeping me sane right now. When I go to work, it is like playing chess blindfolded against a team of 25 people for 8 hours, and I typically come home drained. When I have a novel idea, I have to balance putting it out and getting credit versus all the hate I am going to receive for doing so. Great channel. Please continue posting great videos.

@NostalgiaVibes420 5 ай бұрын

Thank you so much for continuing to speak about this. Everything said here is absolutely true. It's even worse working in the tech industry as each day, I have to deal with this. It's frustrating when you can't just quit!

@maxbell9723 2 ай бұрын

I’m a CS graduate student. What’s some of the things that they do in tech in particular? Should I even try to work at a big tech company.

@thecongo8505 3 ай бұрын

Thank you so much L-Majesty. I just want to say that though racism can be very hard to prove, but retaliation is very easy to prove. Keep up with the good work

@Still-Learning 5 ай бұрын

"If you do not understand racism/white supremacy, what it is and how it works, everything else you understand will only confuse you." -NFJr.

@augustusbrown5320 3 ай бұрын

💯

@miraclemiracle9289 Ай бұрын

Yes, it's so traumatic. I do believe that a lot of minority illnesses ....high blood pressure etc. are rooted in ill treatment in these jobs and in this world.

@sharchannel1836 21 күн бұрын

Yes

@kentwaters5903 19 күн бұрын

Being the only gay person at work is worse because you cant come home and talk about how your day has been because family only tolerates you

@JamilaJinx 12 күн бұрын

Thank you for this video I have the double threat. 1.Youngest 2.Women 3 Only Black women currently. For the past 2 years it’s been hard. I’ve never felt so isolated ever in my life. It made me even stop communicating with anyone out side of work to mental heal from my work days. This made me feel validated to know someone else understands thank you

@kendallnelson9179 7 ай бұрын

Have you ever had to navigate black people who support the system or invalidate your perception of a racist environment ?

@l-majesty3287 7 ай бұрын

Kendall yes I have. I have been in spaces where black people have drank the kool aid and normalized the bigotry for the sake of professional survival. I've had to realize that for one, a feature of white supremacy is the tendency for some black people to live in states of denial. This is a trauma response that emerged from years of racial gaslighting causing some black and brown people to deny their own experiences in order to assuage white guilt. It's the mammy syndrome. Additionally I've had to realize that not all skin folk are kin folk. Many black people struggle with internalized bias and racism due to overexposure to white supremacy. These individuals lack awareness into the history of their own people as well as the covert strategies historically used to pit each other against one another. It is not my job to educate them but rather continue to validate my own observations and take steps to launch. I hope this was helpful for you. Much love.

@kendallnelson9179 7 ай бұрын

I just found your channel today and am overly grateful! I’m a Black American living in Europe. I’m totally on the same page but just to see a brother break this down so succinctly is so validating !!! Please make a video about them too lol! Have a great day brother am glad to have found your channel and will share your content where I can. 💯

@l-majesty3287 7 ай бұрын

Kendall thank you for the support and kind words. I hope you have an amazing and faith strengthening 2024. ❤️

@chal3t 2 ай бұрын

Not all black ppl are black.

@carolines6195 17 күн бұрын

They are in the same boat, but they stab because “It is either him or me. “

@ClayMastah344 4 ай бұрын

That’s why I only do hybrid or remote work. I taught myself a useful skill to gain that kind of work so I could lessen the impacts of these kinds of workplaces on myself. Harder for them to antagonize through a screen though you can bet they try

@thecongo8505 3 ай бұрын

Which skill is that you learned if you don't mind me asking

@ClayMastah344 2 ай бұрын

@@thecongo8505hi I learned web development and analytics as well as project management. Biggest skill that’s helpful is one hard skill and project management

@tcdan-c2m 14 күн бұрын

What's the skill?

@happybedzo6166 6 ай бұрын

It is a battle field indeed 😢

@johnsomn2148 26 күн бұрын

I did it for 12yrs in a public hospital as a med lab tech. Unlike many young black people today , I grew up in the segregated 50s America. Most of my co-workers were the post WW2 generation . Most of my coworkers were white women of Polish, German, Italian, 2 Jewish, catholic, ancestry. How I survived I developed a mindset of peaceful coexistence. Often I was asked to be the judge between " women" disputes. It got so bad I told them - if it's not job related Don't talk to me. If you find yourself in a ' only" one, environment remember keep your personal life to yourself, caution on how you express your opinions of co-workers ( they will use it) . Keep a top of your job, cause I can guarantee there will be a least one that will under cut you ( jealous, hate) .Also watch your socializing with them,especially drinking.❤

@Bushidough 14 күн бұрын

I felt this. I was the only Asian person in leadership full of white people. I never tried to fit in with them. I earned my spot and not given like others and still felt disrespected and unheard all the time. I waited for the bonus to hit last month and I bounced. No two week notice, just quit. Ex boss texted me and I told him it’s best not for me to tell you why I quit.

@merrytunes8697 27 күн бұрын

I’ve experienced this since 2016. This is becoming overwhelming and eroding any sense of confidence that I carried.

@blackman5489 4 ай бұрын

That's why we need Reparations and Black business. Put your money in a Black owned bank.

@SxCense 2 ай бұрын

Our thoughts will always be verified. THIS!!!

@nellatl 2 ай бұрын

This dude is spot on

@steeltown2946 3 ай бұрын

When they know you won't quit. They try to get you to by stressing you out.

@terrancecarr3823 7 ай бұрын

Hi hru..doing on today? I hope all is going well with u on today. I am new to your channel and i saw two of your videos already. And i must say that i am truly enjoying them, and i just finished watching this video. And u are 100 % accurate and correct. On everything that u are saying. About working in and all white environment as being a black man or black women. Keep bringing us these great and positive videos. Well take care and may God continue blessing u and your contents amen..hallelujah

@user-vr6jl9kt3d 6 ай бұрын

Your sigh gets me cuz i know u wanna swear😅❤

@natharborpros 5 ай бұрын

I love your passion, thank you. I'm working to do the same in the AI arena to facilitate inclusion for all.

@natharborpros 5 ай бұрын

Btw, I'm interested is being a part of your Soul Tribe. Have you started a fellowship/community? If not, let's start one together. You lead w Love and we all need to love and be loved.

@boldandcourageous4176 6 ай бұрын

The deaf part !

@johnnybraxton5539 3 ай бұрын

This guy speaking facts

@nellatl 2 ай бұрын

Not only how to file a grievence but also put it in an email as well

@bethanysaga 5 ай бұрын

Their go to word is attention to detail ….the term is racist

@doublea29 5 ай бұрын

I'm really loving your videos I just subscribed today

@CodeWhispererX Ай бұрын

Appreciate the words, especially the crazy statement, as your in the space for sometime you start to question yourself.

@kjhaygood Ай бұрын

I’m currently going through some mental struggles and had to analyze and dismiss the negative environments and people so that I can focus on getting better. I feel raw, exposed and hyper aware like a sore. That’s just a part of my healing. I currently have a seasonal job which use to be fun. Now with my mental health being the way that it is I have no energy left for the micro aggression that goes on there. It’s a predominantly white environment and they are use to saying or doing anything they want. Some of these things are racially insensitive and this is adding to a stress I didn’t even have before working there. They are sweet people but too relaxed & treat me in a way that makes me feel as if it continues this way it could get dangerous for me all while they are “just joking”. This will be my last year there. There is no HR to report to. It’s a family owned business. I wish them the day they deserve.

@raysanders2224 2 ай бұрын

20:13 so true i worked for Delta Airlines, and they barely taught me anything. I had to watch youtube videos on how to do my job. It took them 7 months to finally give me a security checklist run down.

@sthomas730 Ай бұрын

Smh

@gurlwhowants2dj 5 ай бұрын

I realize why my black manager tells me to stop asking lther questions and how she always figures stuff out herself. Its not because she wants to know it all, its because she never got the help she needed and became successful that way

@XailensWorld 5 ай бұрын

This is BIG FACTS!! I'm a Senior Manager on my job and I go thru this now...not getting the help/guidance I need so I figure it out. It's frustrating but it does force you to be resourceful and the challenges ultimately lead to success. I've experienced it every step of the way working my way up.

@brashawnsiriboe 6 ай бұрын

Stay blessed, man 😊

@Still-Learning 5 ай бұрын

Title might be more exact if it was "How to Cope With Being Treated Like You're the Only "Black" Person at Work."

@ITGirl2071 Ай бұрын

Greetings my US Fam x This is precisely the same thing on this side of the Atlantic 😒 My advice is like yours - record everything, stay a spook beside the door!! You can’t last in any role anywhere, so plan your ascension to your next as soon as you arrive- there’s no retirement plan at anytime for us 🖤❤️🙏🏽

@terrancecarr3823 7 ай бұрын

And i also wants to say that u are a very attractive and handsome man. I hope that u don't mind me saying

@sirkwab6042 4 ай бұрын

Thank you for this great message

@datstarz2fly Ай бұрын

Your video really helps me i have a Asian boss that yells (i fuck shit up) on the workforce, allows white female customers to slam hands on my desk when they don't agree with prices or don't want to pay, im accused of coming to work late, being to i have to have my work station clean before leaving but my white coworker doesn't. I have more plus everything is documented

@lockhart8858 2 ай бұрын

All that you’re speaking about is true- all !!

@k.mcdaniel8378 2 ай бұрын

Great video!!

@nancytraynham6072 Ай бұрын

How about talking about all that black toxity on nonprofessional jobs. This is just as damaging folks. Dealing with black toxity is just as damaging.

@tcdan-c2m 14 күн бұрын

Can you elaborate?

@kentwaters5903 19 күн бұрын

No cornrow or braids

@jabbarhudson6569 3 күн бұрын

It's going to come a day where their rule won't be anymore what time is almost up and it's coming to an end that's all I have to tell my black brothers and sisters out there just hold on the time is almost up and coming to an end in this country.