Many African-Americans grow up knowing that you must be “twice as good to get half as far.” I think that this structure and forced frame of thought is embedded with racism. Why aren’t there opportunities available for everyone based on your own merit and your qualifications for the role?
I say this from the perspective of a higher education professional of color with 13 years of experience. Did I mention that I also hold a terminal degree? I guess I should have led with that.
The academy – as much as it pretends to welcome diversity, inclusion and equitable opportunities – is misleading. I consider myself like most of my peers to be a go-getter, self-starter, innovative, change agent and a profound leader. This might come across as controversial but, quite frankly, I do not care. The system of higher education is wired to promote those with a closer proximity to Whiteness while at the same time creating a barrier for men and women alike who look like me.
I am in month four of my post-graduation interview and application process. Quite frankly my peers and I are exhausted.
However, that isn’t what has my goat. The more demoralizing fact is that I am applying for roles led by individuals with less experience or education than myself. I like to consider myself to be a diligent professional. I have gone above and beyond in my work because I believe in it. In the roles that I have had, I worked at bettering the work space, but also bettering my own skills.
Before anyone dares to think it, I’m not a difficult employee or colleague. I just believe in being fair and just, and when that isn’t a card in play I call it out.
In the past few months, I have had the unpleasurable experience of interacting with two White males in leadership. Both individuals hold a bachelor’s degree (only), or a master’s in education. However, both were in a position to interview or hire me. What’s interesting is that the roles that both men occupy typically require a terminal degree and years of experience. Perhaps that’s only said to persons of color on the job market. There are roles that I would not be considered for due to lack of experience or education, previously. I did what most persons of color in this country do when faced with professional hurdles. I went back to school.
