This week, I had an experience with racism that deeply affected me. As a woman of color, I’ve encountered racism before, but each time feels just as jarring. I won’t delve into the specifics of what happened, but it served as a stark reminder that regardless of my achievements or the quality of my work, there are individuals who will harbor animosity toward me solely because of my skin color.

Toni Morrison once eloquently said, “The very serious function of racism…is a distraction. It keeps you from doing your work. It keeps you explaining, over and over again, your reason for being. Somebody says you have no language and so you spend 20 years proving that you do. Somebody says your head isn’t shaped properly so you have scientists working on the fact that it is. Somebody says that you have no art so you dredge that up. Somebody says that you have no kingdoms and so you dredge that up. None of that is necessary.”

According to research by the National Women’s Law Center, Black women are paid 63 cents for every dollar paid to white, non-Hispanic men. This wage gap not only reflects economic injustice but also undermines our financial security and opportunities for advancement. Furthermore, a study by LeanIn.Org and McKinsey & Company found that Black women make up only 1.6% of C-suite executives in Fortune 500 companies, highlighting the persistent barriers to leadership positions.

Beyond these systemic challenges, daily experiences of racism and microaggressions take a toll on our mental and emotional well-being. The burden of constantly proving our worth, navigating biased expectations, and facing discrimination based on stereotypes adds an additional layer of stress to our professional lives.

Although this experience caused me pain and occupied my thoughts throughout the day, I refuse to let it dim my light or steal my joy. I am filled with love and passion for life and for treating others with kindness. I won’t allow individuals who likely harbor self-hatred to hinder my ability to spread positivity and radiate joy to the world.