Those born and raised Black in America, both women and men, know very well that, yes, these are in fact real everyday experiences with huge implications.

Consider the field of human resources alone, the dominant gender and racial demographics of professionals in that field, and the enormous powers they wield over livelihoods. As I’m sure you know, the astounding beauty, strength, confidence, and ingenuity of Black people is openly - often disingenuously - celebrated, in both workplace and social settings, as an anomaly, while at the same time marked and targeted to be managed out.

If for some odd reason, you haven’t noticed this, ask yourself why, and then start.