Pete Van’s Post

It’s the 20 year anniversary of the movie, “White Chicks”, a comedy which takes a look at the experience of being black while playing white. Working in predominantly white spaces as a black women, this 20 year anniversary has got me thinking about what I wish things could be like, if the intersection of womanhood and blackness wasn’t seen as something to tokenize or be threatened by. Here’s my wish list: 1. I wish that corporate efforts to increase representation of women take an intersectional approach rather than trying to splice and dice black women into either BIPOC or women, but never both. 2. I wish that black women are taken seriously when they express complaints of being overworked, overtasked, underresourced, underpaid, undercoached, overlooked, and overly blamed. 3. I wish that black women stop getting told what is and what is not racist or harassment by people who have never experienced racism, misogyny, and/or misogynoir. 4. I wish that black women find places, spaces and people who don’t reinforce the unhealthy belief that black women need to work 2-3 times as hard, to get paid 30-40% less, while also being mindful of everyone else’s feelings but their own. 5. I wish that black women get paid, promoted, recognized, supported and treated so well in corporate spaces.

Breaking Down the "Angry Black Woman" Stereotype The "angry black woman" stereotype is an unfair and wrong idea that says black women are more angry or aggressive than people from other races. This stereotype can make life harder for black women, both at work and in their personal lives. It's important to know that in the black community, there's a solid effort to stop using this hurtful label. People understand that it's not right and that it doesn't show the natural strength and variety in black women's lives. What This Stereotype Is All About This stereotype makes it seem like black women are always angry without considering why they might feel upset or the challenges they face. It's a simple and damaging view that doesn't see the full picture of their lives. This idea comes from old, harmful stories that tried to make black women seem less human. These old stories still affect how people see black women today, which is why it's so important to talk about why this stereotype is harmful. Talking About It One of the best ways to fight this stereotype is to talk openly about black women's real lives. Sharing stories about their successes, struggles, and kindness helps paint a more complete picture of who they are. It's also crucial for the black community to stick together and not use the "angry black woman" label. This shows a united front and an understanding that black women are more than a stereotype. Moving Forward To get past this stereotype, it's crucial to celebrate all parts of black women's lives. This means recognizing them as individuals with their feelings and experiences. It is critical to create places where black women can be themselves without worrying about being unfairly judged. The Bottom Line The "angry black woman" stereotype is a big problem, but by talking about it, understanding where it comes from, and celebrating the authentic lives of black women, we can start to make things better. It's about working together towards a world where black women are seen and respected for who they are, free from unfair stereotypes.

The world continuously fails to recognize the value and humanity of Black women. It's disheartening to navigate through the constant barrage of misogynoir saturating social media platforms. Whether it's contentious debates over the worth of figures like Amanda Seales, or the callous exchanges among rappers regarding their impact on Black women and girls, the exhaustion is palpable. These pervasive stereotypes surrounding Black women's bodies persist both within and outside our community. As Professor William 'Lez' Henry astutely notes, our reality is often depicted as "‘othered’, dehumanized, subjugated, and misrepresented." The array of caricatures—from the Jezebel to the Sapphire, the Angry Black Woman to the Mammy—have shaped harmful narratives that influence how people perceive and engage with us. It's not surprising, then, that incidents like Drew Barrymore's recent misstep, wherein she invoked the Mammy trope, occur. This mistake is particularly galling considering the Mammy stereotype has historically served the interests of mainstream white America, from the era of enslavement to the present day. Black women continually pour our love and labor into the world, yet too often, it remains unreciprocated. We're exhausted from constantly juggling roles and expectations, only to find that our efforts are undervalued and overlooked. As a Black woman who invested time and energy in crafting this message, I implore you to reciprocate this appreciation by acknowledging the struggles we face and actively working towards a more equitable and inclusive world.

Behold the Harsh Realities Faced by Black Women in the West. In various spheres—Hollywood, schools, communities, workplaces—Black women face a relentless burden, often compelled to surpass their non-Black counterparts. They endure unwarranted scrutiny and, at times, abuse. In my interactions with numerous Black women, the depth of their trauma due to systemic racism is staggering. Even young teenage Black girls carry this weight, highlighting the profound impact of discrimination. Furthermore, older Black women recount distressing experiences of being disregarded during childbirth by some medical professionals—a poignant illustration of systemic neglect. I pen this in solidarity with silenced Black voices, drowned out by colonial mentalities and institutionalized structures. I implore those with empathy to speak out and advocate for Black women navigating oppressive environments. This message isn't to be brushed aside but to encourage action—be a champion for social justice, standing with marginalized groups facing obstruction, abuse, and, tragically, murder. Let's unite and address these injustices together. For those interested in effecting change, consider joining our upcoming Leadership & Workplace Equity Congress on Jan 24 and 25, 2024. Visit https://lnkd.in/d4f3MH23 for more information.

🌟 Calling all Change-makers! 🌟 Have you noticed the glaring lack of spaces for Black women to thrive professionally? We have recognized a critical gap in our community—a knowledge disparity in job attainment, industry insights, and overall career exploration between our Black and white peers. And when you factor in gender, this gap is exacerbated even further. But here's the good news: we have the power to make a difference. We can create a supportive community where Black women can grow, excel, and shatter barriers. That's where Sister in Success (SIS) comes in. SIS is more than just an organization—it's a movement. We're dedicated to empowering Black women at the University of Wisconsin-Madison by providing mentorship, professional development, and celebrating the essence of womanhood. Imagine a space where you have access to industry secrets, career guidance, and a supportive network of like-minded individuals who are rooting for your success. That's the power of SIS. However, I recognize that true success requires the collective effort and support of our community, that's why I'm reaching out to women in the Madison area who share our passion for empowering Black women professionally. Your support is invaluable in ensuring that SIS thrives and fulfills its mission of creating a supportive environment where Black women can excel. Whether you can offer mentorship, provide resources, or simply spread the word about our organization, your contribution makes a difference. Together, we can make a meaningful impact and pave the way for a brighter future for Black women at UW-Madison. So, if you're ready to make a difference and take your professional growth to new heights, join us! Together, we can bridge the knowledge gap, empower one another, and redefine success for Black women at UW-Madison. Don't miss out on this opportunity to be part of something truly transformative. Join Sister in Success today and let's grow together!

6 reasons why you should hire me to speak at your Black History Month events and beyond... 1. £𝟭𝗺 𝘁𝗼 𝗯𝗹𝗮𝗰𝗸 𝗰𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲𝘀 💷 - since 2014, Black Ballad has paid black women & people £1m to reclaim their narratives (this year's BHM theme) through writing, speaking, photography, videography and more. 2. 𝗗𝗼𝗰𝘂𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗹 𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗲 ✍🏾 - BB's archive of 1,500 articles all written by black women is second to none. From revealing the author of Keisha the Sket in 2019, to empowering one of Afrocenchix's founders to explain why the company was no longer black owned, to over 30 articles exploring why and how black brits are leaving the UK, where else will you find the breadth and depth of stories for, by and about black women? 3. 𝗙𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿'𝘀 𝗟𝗲𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿 📧 - My weekly black feminist newsletter that I have been writing for eight years is read by tens of thousands of black women each week, as I take on subjects that are at the heart of our community. At over 250 letters, it might just be the longest running black feminist newsletter in Britain.  4. 𝗕𝗕 𝗪𝗲𝗲𝗸𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿 💃🏾 - Reclaiming narratives goes beyond creating media. This summer, we brought together 1,500 black women over two days to listen to inspirational talks, take part workshops and network together at a two day live event. 5. 𝗗𝗮𝘁𝗮 📊 - who else has over 30 million data points on black women in Britain? We have data points on black women's health concerns, beauty choices, motherhood journey, even data on how she feels about driving and cars. Who else can say that? 6. 𝗛𝗼𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗹𝘆? 👂🏾 - after 10 years, I've had and have the privilege to have conversations with black women and the wider black community that not many if anyone else is having. And they are conversations that all of us need to hear if we are going be a society that wants to be more fair and just. CTA- DM me if you want to talk about working together for Black History Month.

NATIONAL BLACK GIRL MAGIC DAY National Black Girl Magic Day is observed on February 15 annually in the United States. The day celebrates the beauty, power, and resilience of Black women. The day also raises awareness of the issues faced by Black women, especially those that are discriminatory or racist. Activists look at corporate, medical, cultural, and social aspects of America and how they affect Black women. National Black Girl Magic Day hopes to bring change by example and create a future where every Black girl and woman gets equal representation. Ways to celebrate Black Girl Magic Day 🎉 Celebrate yourself You cannot celebrate National Black Girl Magic Day without celebrating yourself. Wish yourself and your Black women friends a very Happy National Black Girl Magic Day, and celebrate with a party or a casual day off. 📖 Read up on the history Another great way to observe National Black Girl Magic Day is by learning the history of Black women. Learn about the Black women who came before you and their contribution to the fight for equality and justice. 💵 Support businesses of Black women Convert your words into actions by supporting businesses led by Black women. Observe National Black Girl Magic Day by giving shout-outs to brands by Black women that you love. Happy National Black Girl Magic Day to everyone! nationaltoday.com

The Black woman archetype is a cultural and social representation of Black women that is often based on stereotypes and limited perspectives. It can include characteristics such as strength, resilience, and a nurturing nature, but can also perpetuate harmful stereotypes such as hypersexuality, aggression, and submissiveness. The Black woman archetype is often used to marginalize and oppress Black women, reducing their individuality and complexity to a narrow set of traits. It is important to recognize and challenge these limiting stereotypes and celebrate the diversity and richness of Black women's experiences and identities.

The Burden on Black Women By: Cerissa A. Brown Historically, Black women have continuously supported and fought for various rights and social movements. From civil rights, women’s rights, and trans rights to voting rights, we have consistently shown up for everyone. We march, we advocate, we take care of our communities. But when we need help, no one is there for us. We are exhausted. Black women are tired of being the backbone of everyone while receiving little to no support in return. A recurring criticism from some Black men is that Black women are too "combative," too focused on our careers, or "hard to get along with." Some even claim they are leaving Black women for women of other races for these reasons. But do they not realize they are part of the problem? They conveniently forget who stood by them when they were at their lowest when society ignored them. We are tired of hearing that we should have "picked better" partners while so many Black women are left to raise children alone. Over time, Black women have learned that we had to be self-sufficient, not by choice but out of necessity. When Black men are absent whether due to incarceration, abandonment, or other reasons Black women are left to fill every role. We work multiple jobs, earn multiple degrees, and stretch ourselves thin to make up for the gaps left behind. Our strength comes from survival, but that doesn't mean we're not exhausted. We are tired of constantly being the ones who "rescue" everyone. We are tired of being the punching bags for a world that relies on us but fails to protect us. Black women put on their capes time and time again, even when we vow to put them down for good. We see problems in the world, and despite our personal battles, we feel compelled to help. But this can’t continue indefinitely. One day, Black women may collectively put down their capes for good. And when that day comes, the world will have to reckon with what it means to survive without the strength, care, and advocacy that Black women have always provided.

Did you know that the Black American community has a combined purchasing power of over $1.6 trillion? A core part of our 2023 strategy was strengthening the US community and understanding what they wanted from us. Rather than guess, we did what we do best and asked our stateside AMAKA Studio community. Leveraging our history of amplifying stories for Black women, by Black creators, we surveyed over 600 Black women based in the U.S. and curated an exclusive report, "Black Women in the United States," offering a profound understanding of the nuanced needs and preferences of this dynamic demographic. What's Inside: *Insights into the US Black women market and their unique needs. *Practical tips for culturally relevant marketing and communication. *Strategies to build trust and forge authentic connections. *Key takeaways for effective and diverse creator led content. In true AMAKA fashion, we’ve done all the leg work for you and we'd rather not gate-keep so we've opted to share these actionable insights for free. Let me know your thoughts and happy reading! Download the Report: https://bit.ly/3O0r0OC Beautiful report design by Sara Biatchinyi, one of our talented creators.