Hey sis! Welcome to the final day of Women’s History Month and the chat with our last guest in the Everyday HERstory series. In a society where women have made major contributions, we’re still fighting for many things. Issues such as equal pay, sexism, toxic patriarchal ideology and ageism still exist. We find ourselves saving our communities, families and even the nation; yet can face misogynoir. Our capabilities are questioned. We’re held to higher levels of judgement. We are often mislabeled. (You know, like when men are called “assertive” and we’re deemed aggressive. Insert eye roll.) Or maybe like me, you’ve at one time or another were called the “b” word – and the “b” was not for “brave”. Needless to say, being a woman isn’t easy. And being a Black woman in particular adds to the complexities we face on a daily basis. 

For the last few years, there’s been more perspective given to the Black and female experience. In fact, since the 2020 protests, we’ve witnessed added attention to particular subjects that impact Black women.

Bias. 

Diversity.

Equity.

Equality.

Representation.

While I am glad these topics are being brought to the forefront, there is still much more work to do. As Black women navigate through the mix, it’s important that we utilize the power of our voices to call out wrongs in order to enact change and accountability.

Even where we collect our checks. 

The racial dynamics including socialization, conflict and representation without voice is real in many work spaces. What do we do in those situations? Some feel empowered to speak without fear of retaliation or loss. But others, may not believe they have that capacity. Either way, it’s tough to navigate. While many companies tout representation, they don’t equally welcome the authentic voice of Black and brown women.

But for former local anchor Lisa Benson, the choice to use her voice both cost and rewarded her. 

In 2016, she sued her employer and its' parent company for race discrimination, alleging she was denied promotions and other job opportunities because of her race. Although Lisa did have a legal victory, choosing to litigate wasn’t an easy decision. And not everyone was ready to stand by her side. After the tumultuous experience with racism and retaliation in her former workplace, she became the Founder/CEO of Winning Truths International, LLC. Her company works in the areas of of diversity, equity, inclusion and the eradication of racial ignorance.

Lisa authored "Anchored in Bias, Fired Over White Tears”, chronicling her personal experience. While we discuss what she went through before and during her lawsuit, the conversation goes much deeper. She candidly shares how growing up around people who didn’t look like her impacted her identity and other topics: what ally ship should look like, why we need to embrace each other’s humanity regardless of skin color, race in faith spaces and more. Of course, we also talk about her stepping out as a media/DEI entrepreneur, and her advice to create an exit strategy for anyone in a toxic work environment. 

This is the perfect conversation to wrap up our month and hopefully, encourage you in your own HERstory. The road isn’t easy but as Lisa shows us, there is purpose on the other side.