Slay in Your Lane

British society wasn’t designed for black women, yet they continue to navigate, survive, and thrive despite the odds stacked against them.

1. The Structural Bias of British Society

British society was historically built by and for white men, resulting in a system that continues to marginalize black women. They often find themselves overlooked or misrepresented in roles of power and influence. This structural bias feeds into every institution, silently upholding barriers for black women while extending opportunities to others.

Black women frequently encounter harmful stereotypes that label them as "angry," "strong," or "sassy," limiting how others perceive and respond to them. This failure to see their individuality can stifle their aspirations and professional growth. At school, black girls quickly notice these disparities, especially in the way they are directed toward specific career paths. They are often encouraged to become nurses instead of engineers or scientists, which sends a message that their potential is lesser than their peers'.

There is also a significant lack of representation for black women across industries. High-performing roles and sectors like tech or finance seldom prioritize inclusivity. This systemic underestimation not only affects self-confidence but reinforces boundaries that black women must actively work to dismantle.

Examples

• Black girls in British schools are disproportionately disciplined compared to their white peers.
• There’s a glaring absence of black women occupying executive roles in top UK companies.
• School systems funnel black girls into professions based on stereotypes, downplaying their talents.

2. Unwelcoming University Experiences

For many black students, university life can be alienating. British universities, often overwhelmingly white, lack the diversity needed to make black students feel represented. Far from being safe havens, campuses can bring out deeply ingrained biases that perpetuate exclusion.

Racism at universities manifests in overt acts, like offensive costumes worn at parties, to subtle exclusionary behaviors. Seeing peers mockingly wear blackface or enact racially demeaning themes only deepens the sense of alienation. Everyday encounters, such as being stopped by dormitory staff who assume a black student doesn’t attend the school, further diminish their university experience.

Such an unwelcoming environment contributes to higher dropout rates among black students. When black students don’t feel seen or valued, the emotional toll becomes unbearable, leading some to abandon their education despite their capabilities.

Examples

• Blackface incidents during university parties, such as one with a “Somali pirate” theme at Edinburgh University.
• Black students being excluded from social circles or assumed not to belong.
• A staggering 10% dropout rate for black students versus 6.9% for other groups in the UK.

3. Discrimination in Employment

The workplace continues to perpetuate inequality against black women. Despite being the largest demographic of graduates in the UK, black women are also the most likely to face unemployment. This contradiction illustrates deep-seated biases baked into the hiring process.

Many black women struggle to land job interviews due to their names alone. Research proves that candidates with ethnic-sounding names are far less likely to be called back compared to those with “white-sounding” names, even when qualifications are identical. Even after securing a position, disparities in pay and treatment compound their challenges.

Entrepreneurs like Clare Anyiam-Osigwe have been forced to adopt unorthodox methods just to navigate these biases. She created a fake LinkedIn profile featuring a white, blonde assistant to secure meetings, highlighting how ingrained prejudice is in British professional spaces.

Examples

• Studies show ethnic names result in candidates being 74% less likely to get a callback.
• Black women who work full-time jobs still earn less than their white colleagues with similar credentials.
• Clare Anyiam-Osigwe’s experience using a fictional white assistant to open professional doors.

4. Microaggressions Wear Women Down

Microaggressions—everyday slights or subtle acts of prejudice—are a daily reality for black women. These remarks or behaviors may seem trivial but collectively have a damaging psychological impact over time.

Examples include people asking to touch a black woman’s hair or mispronouncing and dismissing African names as too complex. Others might imply a black person is “articulate” or “not like other black people,” reinforcing harmful, racist assumptions. Though seemingly small, these microaggressions chip away at self-esteem and often go unchallenged for fear of being labeled "overly sensitive."

The cumulative effect of constant microaggressions can cause black women to second-guess their responses, leaving them frustrated or isolated. Reporting such incidents doesn’t guarantee resolution and can even lead to further ostracism, making it vital for organizations to address these behaviors actively.

Examples

• People insist on touching afro hair in professional or social settings.
• Commenting that a black woman is “eloquent” as though it's surprising.
• Mispronouncing or mocking ethnic names instead of learning them properly.

5. Black Women Are Fetishized

Black women are often fetishized in a way that dehumanizes them. This misplaced "attraction" reduces them to stereotypes rather than respecting their individuality. What some call admiration, black women experience as objectification.

Take singer Jamelia’s encounter with actor Robert De Niro, who referred to her as a "chocolate girl." While intended as a compliment, such phrases frame black women as exotic "others," objectifying rather than affirming them as equals. The hypersexual stereotypes perpetuated in media only fuel misconceptions about black women being overly sexual or compliant.

This warped framework perpetuates racism even in romantic or personal contexts. Genuine affection cannot exist where one party is boxed into a racialized fantasy.

Examples

• Robert De Niro calling Jamelia a “chocolate girl,” reducing her to a type.
• The stereotype of black women being hypersexualized, stemming from colonial myths.
• Men justifying their racism by claiming they exclusively date black women.

6. Media and Consumer Market Misrepresentation

Media and consumer industries consistently fail to represent or prioritize black women’s needs. This underrepresentation enforces the idea that they don’t belong.

TV shows often portray black women as one-dimensional, secondary characters, rarely giving them nuanced or central roles. In everyday shopping, black women struggle to find affordable products designed for their complexions, whether makeup shades or lingerie.

However, the internet hosts a thriving community for black women to create, connect, and advocate for themselves. Movements like ##BlackLivesMatter showcase how collective action online can amplify their voices, making an impact far beyond niche conversations.

Examples

• UK product lines often lack foundations for darker skin tones.
• Black actresses like Viola Davis face offensive questions even at the height of their careers.
• Social media campaigns like ##BlackLivesMatter originated from black women protagonists.

7. Financial Freedom Requires Strategy

Money offers independence, but for black women, achieving financial stability is an uphill battle. Their disadvantageous position in the pay gap often makes saving more difficult, leaving them vulnerable.

Entrepreneurship has emerged as a way to counter discrimination. Black women increasingly build businesses that cater directly to their community’s needs. For example, Sandra Brown-Pinnock created XSandy’s, a black-owned haircare store, to fill the gap she herself encountered while shopping.

It becomes clear that advocating for fair pay and seeking financial knowledge are essential for black women to secure their futures.

Examples

• Statistics show black women earn significantly less than white women despite similar roles.
• Entrepreneurship stories like XSandy's inspire solutions for underrepresented industries.
• Gender and racial pay gaps lead to fewer savings opportunities for black women.

8. The Power of Self-Care

Given the challenges black women face daily, self-care isn’t just optional—it’s non-negotiable. Society’s expectation for them to always appear resilient prevents many from addressing their emotional and physical health needs.

The natural hair movement has encouraged more black women to wear their hair authentically, avoiding harmful chemicals. On a broader level, prioritizing therapy and mental well-being can help combat the burnout that often results from overachieving in a prejudiced society.

By redefining strength as the ability to rest and recharge, black women can reclaim agency over their well-being.

Examples

• Growing rejection of hair relaxers due to health concerns.
• Therapy becoming more accepted in black communities, battling stigma.
• Movements normalizing natural hair in professional environments.

9. Staying Strong in the Face of Racism

Despite everything, black women continue to persevere. This resilience is both inspiring and instructive for future generations. Fostering spaces where black women can unite, share experiences, and build solidarity remains a beacon of hope.

Growth comes from amplifying black voices, empowering their influence in spaces previously closed off. The path forward is built on self-confidence, community strength, and a shared vision for equality.

Examples

• Online platforms like Instagram help black businesses thrive.
• Black mentorship programs bridge gaps in education and job access.
• Initiatives celebrating black women’s achievements, like those in film or politics.

Takeaways

1. Research inclusive environments, such as universities or workplaces, by assessing their demographics and diversity commitments before applying.
2. Prioritize therapy or self-care activities that address mental and physical health—it's a critical investment for long-term well-being.
3. Build financial literacy and explore entrepreneurship as tools to navigate pay disparities and create financial stability.