My Facial Expressions Speak for Myself

In a world where our T-shirts often serve as canvases for our unspoken thoughts, mine boldly declares, "My Facial Expressions Speak for Myself." Today, my face is a canvas painted with frustration and anger. In this short blog, I want to delve into the emotions etched on my face, particularly addressing my anger towards the unjust scrutiny faced by women in leadership, exemplified by the recent resignation of Dr. Claudine Gay as the president of Harvard.

The news of Dr. Claudine Gay's resignation, coupled with the disturbing threats she and other Black women in leadership have received, has ignited a flame of anger within me. It's disheartening to witness the persistent belief that women, especially women of color, have not earned their positions and influence. The audacity of questioning our worthiness in leadership positions in the 21st century is a stark reminder that the fight for equality is far from over.

The recent attacks on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) efforts reveal a deeper fear – a fear of losing power and a reluctance to acknowledge that we are, indeed, worthy. It's a testament to the ingrained biases that still exist, hindering progress and perpetuating systemic injustices.

As my facial expressions convey my anger, they also reflect a deep-seated commitment to fight against these injustices. The frustration I feel is a call to action, a reminder that there is much work to be done in dismantling the barriers that persistently undermine the achievements and capabilities of women, especially those of marginalized backgrounds.

I am a Black woman in this work—proudly so. I cannot mask it, make it go away, or ignore who I am. And neither can you. I take these attacks personally because they are not myths or figments of our imagination. They happen! I have experienced similar attacks. You may want to call them micro-aggressions, but there is nothing micro about them. The questions being asked, “What sport did you play in college?” were like subtle arrows assuming that I was only admitted because I am good at sports. “They had to meet a quota,” they said, assuming that I was part of some lucky lottery system. Or being hired for a job or given a project with little support, funding, and resources and told to “have it done faster and better” than humanly possible. And in the end, when I am tired, did not meet a deadline, or made one minor error, the bias confirmation sets in.

I refuse to let these experiences define me, though. They serve as fuel for my determination to break down barriers and challenge stereotypes. In the face of adversity, I choose resilience, turning every unjust scrutiny into an opportunity to rise stronger. As a Black woman in this journey, I embrace my identity wholeheartedly, knowing that my presence contributes to a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive world.

In the face of adversity, our expressions become a powerful language, conveying emotions that words alone may struggle to articulate. Today, my face tells a story of anger fueled by the injustices faced by women in leadership. The challenges posed by the likes of Dr. Claudine Gay's resignation only strengthen my resolve to continue the fight for justice and equity.

As I wear my emotions on my sleeve – or, in this case, my T-shirt – let it be a beacon for change, a call to collectively challenge the status quo, and work towards a world where leadership is valued irrespective of gender or race. The fight against injustice may be ongoing, but so is our determination to overcome it.