Reading The Room

Havas NYC’s Strategy Director Jessica Joseph recaps a #BlackAtWork panel on the experience of Black women

“I have a duty to speak the truth as I see it and share not just my triumphs, not just the things that felt good, but the pain. The intense, often unmitigated pain. It is important to share how I know survival is survival and not just a walk through the rain.” — Audre Lorde

I was feeling frustrated, hurt, and alone.

Dealing with the continuous grief of a global pandemic, social isolation, and the “viral killings” of Black bodies at the hands of police brutality, all while having to show up with a smile and the occasional laugh on video calls — left me feeling exhausted. This double-consciousness — while a tool for survival as a Black woman navigating a predominantly white industry — can also be a superpower for me as a professional; it’s how we learn to read the room.

On August 13th — Black Women’s Equal Pay Day, #BlackAtWork curated a timely and impactful panel called “Read the Room” that was centered on the experiences of Black women in the workplace and provided a platform for some remarkable voices from across the Havas Group. Panelists included Arnold/Havas Media Boston’s Julianna Akuamoah, Havas London’s Bukola Garry, Havas Health Plus’ Tayla Mahmud, Arnold’s Jasmine Reyes and moderator Havas Chicago’s Pilar McQuirter. They were raw and honest as they discussed topics such as intersectionality, mental health, being the “only,” and the importance of safe spaces. I came away from the panel feeling validated and grateful to these women for speaking their truth and sharing what they’ve learned along the way. Here are some of my takeaways:

On Intersectionality

It is important that we understand the nuances in the Black woman’s experience, as too often, we write off her survival through struggle by characterizing her as superhuman. Instead, we should be focusing on what support looks like for her.

As Garry said, “As a black woman I’m not a fixed identity or a fixed state. Thank you for thinking I’m strong, but tomorrow I may be something else. It’s important to announce your vulnerability upfront.”

On Mental Health

Each of the panelists spoke about the many feelings that accompany their experiences — from mourning people you’ve never met (#SayHerName — Breonna Taylor) to dealing with micro-aggressions in the workplace. McQuirter mentioned that for many Black employees “we find ourselves having to dissociate at work because we don’t want to be the burden.”

Mahmud added, “we have to allow ourselves to have feelings and be vulnerable,” especially in a time like now where we are surrounded by grief. The more we embrace our negative emotions and acknowledge the purpose they serve us, it becomes easier to launch them into meaningful action and justice.

On Being the “Only”

As we strive for diversity in the advertising industry and talk about getting seats at the table, we can’t forget the emotional toll that comes with being the only Black occupant of said seat. When we walk into a room, we are often carrying the weight of representing our communities.

Akuamoah explained: “Being ‘other’ makes you hyper aware of your surroundings. It makes us over-thinkers. Having to refocus your mind away from a negative experience or how being ‘other’ influences how you think of people’s perception of you…Carrying all of this is no joke!”

On Having Safe Spaces

There was a resounding feeling of relief and release on the panel as it offered an opportunity for us to hold space for one another; providing a sense of community and accountability as we navigate tumultuous times. Reyes said it best: “I’m code switching between people daily, so this panel is so important for me because just having other black women in this space, at least I’m not the only right now…[In my mind], I think if ‘other black people are here, then it’s safer for me to be in this space.’”

It was on this day that I finally felt seen. Very rarely do I see Black women throughout my workday, so to see these women representing us from around the Group filled me with a much needed sense of joy and pride.

Collectively, we’ve all been hurting and feeling a desire to race to better times. Despite that rush to get to better, we cannot forget the realities of being #BlackAtWork today. I’m looking forward to having more of these discussions and continuing to center the stories of Black women in advertising.

View the full panel session here.