A guide to being the only Black person in the workplace
Although diversity has become a buzzword in the workplace in recent years, unfortunately, not all companies are as inclusive as they say they are in practice.
As much as everyone wants to be part of a workplace free of discrimination and full of opportunities, the actual work needed to create an equitable company culture often falls on BIPOC and marginalized employees.
If you find yourself in the difficult position of being the only Black person at your workplace, here are a few ways you can advocate for yourself, protect your boundaries, and feel more confident.
Be proud of who you are.
Firstly, you should always be proud of your culture, your heritage, and who you are. No matter your workplace, in Canada it’s illegal to discriminate against people based on their gender, ethnicity, culture, and other grounds. This extends to workplace dress codes!
Even if your workplace is very formal or corporate, don’t be afraid to include aspects of your culture and personality into your wardrobe within your company’s dress code. Also, don’t let anyone tell you your natural hair or protective hairstyle isn’t professional. You can absolutely rock locs, twists, and braids as a professional!
Additionally, don’t feel pressured to abbreviate your name to make it sound more North American. Be proud of your name, and always correct people when they pronounce your name incorrectly.
Be your own advocate
It’s important to be your own advocate when you’re the only Black person at your workplace. You must speak up if you’re talked over in meetings or if your opinions aren’t being heard. You must stand up for yourself if you’re overlooked for a promotion, being treated unfairly, or notice yourself doing more grunt work in comparison to your colleagues.
The best way to protect yourself is to keep a work diary where you list your daily tasks, projects, and accomplishments, as well as issues. If you start noticing there are some inequalities at work, write them down. If you’re experiencing repeated microaggressions despite conversing with the person causing them, write them down.
When the time comes for you to ask your boss for a promotion, you can refer back to your work diary to help you build a case for all the things you’ve accomplished. If you ever have to go to HR because you’re feeling uncomfortable or are being treated unfairly, you can also provide evidence to protect yourself.
Create or find your own support system
When you’re the only Black person on your team, you might feel isolated with no one to turn to.
If so, it’s time to create or find your own support system. You could turn to a friend group with similar professional experiences that you can vent to, confide in trusted family members, or join a group or association.
If you’re searching for a professional group or association specifically for young Black professionals, you’ve come to the right place!
NOIR Professionals is a Canadian membership-based organization for young Black professionals who want to get ahead in their career. We encourage community, learning, skill building, as well as supporting each other professionally.
NOIR Professionals can also connect you with more established Black professionals if you’re looking for mentorship.
Know when it’s time to leave
Do you dread coming into work, feel drained by the emotional labour it requires to be part of the team, or exhausted by the effort it requires to fit in? These are all signs of your environment taking a toll on your mental health.
Always remember your worth and the unique skills you bring to the table!
If you’re not being recognized and appreciated for what you bring to your current workplace, it’s time to seek out employers in your industry who strive to create an inclusive and diverse workplace that focuses on building genuine relationships and supporting their employees.
Being the only Black person at your workplace can definitely be challenging. However you can navigate this by being proud of who you are, advocating for yourself, and finding an external support system. And if your efforts don’t work out, don’t be afraid to move on when it’s time to leave.
Because at the end of the day, no job is worth your mental health!
If you’re looking for your own support system of young Black professionals, we’ve got your back! Don’t hesitate to reach out and inquire about our FREE membership.
