Women are presented with a myriad of challenges in the workplace. From fewer opportunities for advancement, to sexual harassment, there’s a growing demand for transparency in leadership to create inclusive spaces and safer work environments. Aside from gender inequalities, Black women are faced with a separate set of hurdles including microaggression and the “angry black woman myth.” And then, there’s the longstanding wage gap. According to PayScale, Black women earn only $0.74 for every dollar earned by white men.
A growing number of companies are creating diversity initiatives to address employee concerns while also filling leadership roles with underrepresented talent. Although some progress has been made, the long-term impact often leaves Black women out of the conversation. So, instead of waiting for equity, go after what you want. Add these three books to your collection and take control of your professional destiny:
The Memo: What Women of Color Need to Know to Secure a Seat at the Table by Minda Harts
Toxic work environments are harmful to anyemployee, but Black women are subject to an added layer of biases. In The Memo, author and New York University Adjunct Assistant Professor of Public Service, Minda Harts, penned a thoughtful guide for women of color to harness their power and amplify their voices in spaces where they have traditionally been silenced. Salary negotiations, office politics, networking, and holding allies accountable, The Memois all about sustainability, while championing diverse voices.
The Little Black Book of Success: Laws of Leadership for Black Women by Elaine Meryl Brown, Marsha Haygood, and Rhonda McLean
This book provides an actionable roadmap to help you play to win at work. Written by high-level Black women executives, The Little Black Book of Successis for women in every area, at all levels. It offers strategies to uniquely create your own path instead of waiting for permission to climb the professional ladder. You’ll find useful tools to sharpen communication, suppress self-sabotage, and build self-confidence.
More Than Enough: Claiming Space for Who You Are (No Matter What They Say) by Elaine Welteroth
This New York Times bestseller and 2020 NAACP Image Award winner promotes social consciousness through race and identity by challenging the status quo and defying archaic systems that impede professional growth. Written by Elaine Welteroth, who is known for her journalistic talents, groundbreaking work at Condé Nast and insight as a judge on Project Runway,More Than Enoughis part memoir, part inspirational guide to overcoming adversity in owning your hustle. The book is currently in development to become a TV series.
Girl Tyler is a recovering news producer turned digital scribe from South Carolina.
