The Bloom Report Vol 26 [Bloomology] 🌹🌹🌹

Welcome To Friday! 📆

The theme of this issue: Navigating The Real Dangers Of Corporate America For Black Women.

Listen! It’s Really Life Or Death Out Here. From corporate stalking to academic bullying there is a whole lotta follery going on.[ Trigger Warning - Suicide Talk]

We are only 19 days into 2024 and one Black woman in Corporate America was forced to commit suicide believing the burden of her workplace was too much to handle, suffering from an extended period of corporate bullying. And another Black woman in Corporate America is currently (right now, today) being stalked and harassed, reportedly having toxins and acids thrown at her for whistle-blowing. 

It’s beyond tragic and horrific! Black women are being traumatized in the workplace, no one is doing anything about it, and it seems to be totally acceptable in Corporate America. 

In case you haven’t been following, I’m talking about Dr. Antoinette “Bonnie” Candia-Bailey, Vice President for Student Affairs at Lincoln University, an HBCU in Jefferson City, Missouri.

According to News Nation Now, “ Sources state that Dr. Bailey was left “unsupported, disregarded, and abused after countless attempts to speak out on the bullying and harassment she experienced in her role from President Moseley (who is white).”

Dr. Bailey also reportedly discussed in a letter before her passing, the “stigmatized bullying she faced from the President and other leadership officials,” after disclosing her mental illness to the university.

I’m also talking about former beauty industry executive Ella Gorgia “Ella The Great” who has been getting harassed since 2018 and no one has helped. The New York District Attorney has now officially opened an investigation in NYC.

Here’s her testimony: “I experienced specifically, failure to promote, racial animus, discrimination, pay inequities and unchecked microaggressions.  I was a part of the group – one of the leads. As an Executive Director (ED) at MAC Cosmetics, I dealt with each of these claims.  In my nearly five years at the brand, I was never promoted nor was there any Black person promoted or hired at the ED level or above during my tenure. I was the highest-ranking Black female at the MAC global headquarters in SoHo.  I would later be told that despite my credentials, experience and performance, my role was leveled at ED”. - 25bwb.org

In September of 2018, she reported that used condom packets, urine bottles, and muddy sneakers – were all thrown on the back patio of my home on a regular basis

This is all a result of society disrepresenting and undervaluing the contributions and Black women and then at the same time holding Black women to an incredibly unreachable high standard. 

Read more about The Black Girl Boss Paradox epidemic here 

This is life or death. We can't keep losing brilliant minds like Dr. Candia-Bailey to workplace trauma. We can't keep watching Ella The Great and Kimberly Bryant endure silent torture. This is a systemic issue, rooted in the devaluation and hyper-scrutiny Black women face both inside and outside of corporate.

But we are not victims. We are GIANTS and the G.O.A.T. We will not be silenced.

You can spread the word through this blog post.

Here's how we fight back:

• Raise your voice. Share your stories. Use your platforms to amplify the voices, experiences, and contributions of Black women. Don't let these injustices be swept under the rug. Advocate for yourself at all times!

• Demand accountability. Contact HR departments, executive boards, and regulatory bodies, and publications. Hold these folks accountable for their actions. Let them know: Black women's lives matter.

• Build community. We are stronger together. Create networks of support and mentorship for Black women in corporate spaces. Lift each other up, share resources, and offer guidance.

• Invest in your well-being. Just being a Black woman and existing in this world takes a toll. Prioritize your mental and physical health. Get therapy, join support groups, and practice daily self-care. You are your most valuable asset.

This is a call to action. Not just for Black women, but for everyone who believes in justice and equality. Let’s write and champion our own narratives. We can make Corporate America a safer, more equitable space.

Because Black women's lives are not expendable. They are invaluable.

Remember, your voice is your weapon. Use it Boldly Loudly.

Cheers to the weekend love!

Jeneba