Winston-Salem State University Honors Former Football Coach, Bill Hayes, With Honorary Doctorate
The ceremony took place May 9 at WSSU's spring commencement
A former football head coach at Winston-Salem State University, Bill Hayes, has been given an honorary doctorate from the institution.
According to HBCU Gameday, the ceremony occurred on May 9 at WSSU’s spring commencement. Hayes enjoyed a long career as a football coach, with a winning record of 89-40-2 from 1976 to 1987. He led the Rams to three Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) championships (1977, 1978, 1987) and five CIAA Southern Division titles. The football team had consecutive undefeated regular seasons in 1977 and 1978.
The coach left the school and hooked up with the school’s rival, North Carolina A&T, in 1988. He led the school to three MEAC (Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference) championships and retired from coaching in 2003.
Hayes also made his mark as an athletic administrator. He served as athletic director at North Carolina Central University and Florida A&M University before returning to WSSU in 2010. He became the fifth athletic director at the school and stayed at WSSU until he retired in 2014.
The former coach’s background in football started in high school, where he played for Hillside High School before he took his talent to NCCU, where he played his collegiate career at the center and linebacker positions. While playing there for four years, he earned three All-America recognitions before graduating with a physical education degree in 1965.
His coaching career started after he graduated from college when he became an assistant coach at several high schools: Northside High School in Gretha, Virginia (1965), Paisley High School (1966) and North Forsyth High School (1967-71) in Winston-Salem, N.C., even doing a stint as his alma mater, Hillside High School (1972).
He became a college coach in 1973 as the offensive backs coach at Wake Forest University, making Hayes the first Black coach in the Atlantic Coast Conference. After three years at Wake Forest, he left to start his legendary career at Winston-Salem State University.
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Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images for The Recording Academy
Sza Brought Out This Special Guest To Her ‘Not Beauty’ Pop-Up In New Jersey Hometown
Kendrick Lamar showed up to support his tour partner in her hometown pop-up.
Sza traveled back to her hometown of East Rutherford, New Jersey, to host an extra special pop-up for her beauty brand, Not Beauty.
Sza recently launched the makeup company while on her joint Grand National tour with fellow TDE label-mate Kendrick Lamar. Before this pop-up, Sza stated that the products, consisting of lip glosses and lip liners, would only be sold at experiences during her tour stops.
While that is mainly true, interested buyers could visit the pop-up regardless of whether they bought a concert ticket. However, her hometown’s experience slightly differed. She announced that the two-day event would happen at the American Dream Mall, making this the first pop-up at a shopping plaza of this magnitude.
“JERSEY and NEW YORK WE DOING IT MAJORRR . MEET ME AT AMERICAN DREAM MALL TOMORROW AND FRIDAY !! (There’s a pathway that connects to the stadium),” The Grammy winner wrote on her Instagram. So excited to see you at our first mall pop-up!!”
Sza typically meets fans during the events leading up to showtime. However, she brought in her tour partner to make this pop-up more than “alright.”
Kendrick Lamar showed up to meet fans who crowded three floors of the expansive mall. The duo took photos with a tiny music lover as Sza’s hometown fanbase screamed and shouted.
THANK YOU KENDRICK FOR COMING TO TODAYS NOT BEAUTY POP UP !!!! 🪲⛺️ SEE YALL ON STAGE !!! 🥹 pic.twitter.com/tYd0sPf3AO
“THANK YOU, KENDRICK, FOR COMING TO TODAY’S NOT BEAUTY POP-UP!” she exclaimed alongside some bug emojis. SEE YOU ALL ON STAGE!!!
While Sza mainly does music, the singer has expanded her art this year into movies and makeup. The One of Them Days actress recently spoke toVogue about why her beauty brand is ironically called “Not Beauty.”
“[It] was representative of a reminder of: Don’t try to be these other brands, don’t try to be anything,” she told the publication. “Don’t just make a random celebrity brand just because you can. My whole life is about being pressure-free but still trying your best, and that’s what Not is about.”
Sza and Lamar later performed their two-night stint at the MetLife Stadium, conveniently across from the mall. While fans can only catch the products in person, Sza aspires to expand her “Not” empire into other sectors, such as furniture and farming.
‘Sinners’ Not-So-Subtle Nod To Voodoo Is Just One More Way Ryan Coogler Connects The Diaspora
Coogler’s "Sinners" offers a compelling cinematic exploration of Black spiritual traditions, moving beyond simplistic portrayals often seen in mainstream cinema.
Ryan Coogler’s Sinners wasn’t just a movie; it was a journey–a plunge into the heart of the Mississippi Delta, where the land itself whispers stories of the past, pain, resilience, and a spiritual heritage that refuses to be erased. Coogler, a storyteller who understands the weight of our stories – think Black Panther, think Creed – doesn’t shy away from the shadows. He embraces them, and in Sinners, he uses those shadows to illuminate a truth about Black spirituality that Hollywood has too often distorted.
Sinners hummed with a different kind of energy, a spiritual energy that vibrates beneath the surface of the regular vampire narrative. It’s in the way Coogler centers Voodoo and Hoodoo, not as cheap thrills or exotic curiosities, but as living, breathing traditions that have shaped Black life in the South for generations.
Hoodoo’s Grounded Presence
Wunmi Mosaku’s portrayal of Annie is a revelation. She wasn’t a mystical caricature, and Coogler took great care to ensure she wasn’t seen that way; she’s a Hoodoo woman, herbalist, and rootworker. She embodies the power of Conjure, that blend of African spiritual science, Native wisdom, and whatever else we had to grab onto to survive.
Annie’s knowledge of plants, her ability to see what others can’t, her fierce protection of her community – that’s Hoodoo. It’s about healing what’s broken, shielding ourselves from harm, and calling on the spirits for guidance. It’s practical, sacred, and a testament to our ancestors’ ingenuity. She’s the bridge, showing us a world hidden in plain sight.
Haint Blue: A Veil and a Shield
The color blue in this film isn’t just a design choice. That “haint blue” that coats Annie’s home and clings to her clothes is a language. It’s the color of protection, a shield against the unseen, against those “haints” that would harm us. It reminds us how our people, even in the face of unimaginable cruelty, found ways to guard their spirits. That blue is a visual echo of a spiritual battle, a constant reminder that we’ve always had to fight for our souls.
The Ancestral Echo
Sinners understands that our past isn’t dead. It’s alive, it’s in our blood, it shapes who we are. Coogler wasn’t afraid to show that connection, that conversation between the living and the dead that’s at the heart of Voodoo.
But it isn’t a simple story of good ancestors and evil spirits. The past can be a source of strength, but can also hold darkness and unresolved pain. Sinners gets that complexity. It shows that our spiritual inheritance is a tangled web; we must navigate it with wisdom and respect.
Voodoo’s Deep River
While Hoodoo flows through Sinners, the deep river of Voodoo is always there, too. Voodoo, with its structured theology and pantheon of loa, is the mother tradition, the source from which Hoodoo draws so much of its power.
You might not hear the word “loa” on the screen, but you feel their presence. You feel it in how the film explores possession and shows the power of spiritual forces to shape human events. Dr. Yvonne Chireau spoke about Coogler’s interest in that “ancestor moment,” where the sacred and the everyday blur. That blurring, that intermingling of worlds, is Voodoo at its core.
Erzulie Dantor and Erzulie Freda: A Comparison and Contrast
In Haitian Vodou, Erzulie is a complex and multifaceted loa, or spirit, who embodies various aspects of femininity and love. She is a powerful figure, and her manifestations are diverse. Two of her most prominent manifestations are Erzulie Dantor and Erzulie Freda, who, while related, possess distinct characteristics. I also have to acknowledge the colorism and polarization present in the depictions of Dantor and Freda. Erzulie Freda is often represented with lighter skin and is associated with beauty and luxury. In comparison, Erzulie Dantor(whom I’m an initiate of) is depicted with darker skin and linked to strength and resilience, reflecting societal biases.
It’s also important to note that in traditions like Dominican Vodou, which is organized around the concept of the 21 Divisions (or “Las 21 Divisiones”), Erzulie, or spirits analogous to her, may also appear within that framework, demonstrating the breadth and adaptability of these spiritual traditions.
Qualities: Erzulie Freda is associated with beauty, luxury, romance, and pleasure. She is often depicted as light-skinned, adorned in fine jewelry and clothing. She’s seen as charming, flirtatious, and somewhat capricious.
Associations: Love, beauty, wealth, refinement, the arts.
Temperament: Can be seen as both compassionate and generous, but also jealous, spoiled, and demanding.
Symbols: Hearts, fine jewelry, perfume, flowers, pink, white, and blue.
Erzulie Dantor
Qualities: Erzulie Dantor is a fierce protector of women and children, particularly those who have suffered hardship or injustice. She is often depicted as a dark-skinned, strong, and independent woman, sometimes holding a child.
Temperament: Strong-willed, protective, and capable of great wrath, but also deeply caring and devoted to those she protects.
Symbols: Knives, a heart pierced by a knife, the colors red, blue and green.
Comparison and Contrast with Annie and Mary in Sinners
While Sinners isn’t a direct retelling of Vodou, we can draw some interesting parallels between these Erzulie manifestations and the characters of Annie and Mary:
Annie and Erzulie Dantor: The Hoodoo woman in Sinners shares several qualities with Erzulie Dantor.
Both are strong, protective figures who are deeply connected to their community. Annie’s knowledge of Hoodoo and willingness to use it to defend her people aligns with Dantor’s role as a protector.
Both are associated with a certain earthiness and practicality. Annie’s focus on healing and herbalism, and Dantor’s connection to the struggles of women and mothers, reflect this.
Both possess a fierce, protective energy.
Mary and Erzulie Freda: Mary’s character, though complex, has some echoes of Erzulie Freda.
Mary’s initial vulnerability and dependence on others could be loosely compared to Freda’s more delicate and capricious nature.
If we consider Freda’s association with beauty, there might be a parallel to how Mary’s appearance and perceived innocence play a role in the film’s events.
However, this is where the comparison becomes more nuanced. Mary transforms the film, gaining strength and agency, aligning her more with Dantor’s resilience.
In conclusion, Coogler’s Sinners offers a compelling cinematic exploration of Black spiritual traditions, moving beyond simplistic portrayals often seen in mainstream cinema. By centering the traditions of Hoodoo and Vodou, Coogler provides a nuanced perspective on a beautiful tradition and history. The film portrays these practices not as relics of the past but as dynamic forces that continue to shape identity, community, and resilience.
Through characters like Annie and Mary, Sinners explores the complexities of these spiritual traditions, including themes of protection, healing, ancestral connection, and the challenge of navigating legacies. In doing so, the film invites viewers to reconsider their understanding of Black spirituality and its vital role in the ongoing narrative of the African diaspora.
Maïmouna Tirera Is The Only Black Woman Eyeglass Designer in France
Maïmouna Tirera founded Maïwax Eyewear in 2015. She is France's only Black woman eyeglass designer and introducing Africa to French eyewear.
From Senegalese patterns, denim, and other natural materials, there are hundreds of custom eyeglasses inside Maïwax. Maïmouna Tirera founded the brand in 2015. She is France’s only Black woman artisan lunetier (eyeglass designer).
Tirera is an optician by trade, but she realized early in her career that most frames did not fit faces well. She also noticed the industry lacked color and originality. Tirera decided to change that, especially as customers began demanding unique styles. She moved to Eastern France near the Swiss border to train in the art of designing eyeglasses. It’s a rare skill for people in France. According to Tirera, there are only 30 across the country, and only one other Black eyeglass designer.
While opticians can sell eyeglasses from different brands in France, only a handful of people are considered artisan luneiters.
“Artisan is an official title. It means that you have been trained,” Tirera said through a translator.
How The Black Eyeglass Designer is Introducing Africa To French Eyewear
Tirera drew inspiration from her African origins in Senegal when she started the brand in 2015. Her goal was to promote French craftsmanship and African culture. Each collection has an element that reminds people of Africa, including wax fabrics found in West Africa, cowrie shells, and Bogolan fabric from Mali.
All Maïwax frames are made from cellulose acetate, a natural plastic obtained primarily from cotton. Through a lengthy manufacturing process that takes place right in her shop, the plant fiber is transformed into a rigid and shiny sheet for eyeglass making.
For the first eight years, her boutique shop was in the heart of La Goutte d’Or, a neighborhood in Paris’s 18th arrondissement known as the “Little Africa of Paris.”
As her brand grew, she recently moved to the Quartier Saint-Paul, part of Paris’s historic Marais district. The move is significant for Tirera, who says she didn’t consider herself an artist growing up. She followed her passion and now has one of France’s most successful eyewear shops.
“It’s a real pleasure [to be here],” she says when asked about her reaction to creating a successful company. “When someone comes in with ideas, I [enjoy] working together. This is really about exchanging ideas and [collaborating] to create the finished product.”
Tirera takes orders worldwide for her custom eyeglasses and sunglasses, whether customers have a prescription or not.
(Image: Talladega, Alabama, USA - May 14, 2019: Sign for Talladega College 1867. Sign located along Martin Luther King Jr. Drive in Talladega, Alabama / iStock / sshepard)
Award-Winning Actress From ‘Law & Order’ Donates $1M Gift To Alabama’s Oldest HBCU
The actress announced her donation while delivering her keynote speech during commencement.
Award-winning “Law & Order” actress S. Epatha Merkerson has donated $1 million to Talladega College.
The Emmy winner, who played Lt. Anita Van Buren on the police drama, was also the keynote speaker at the HBCU’s commencement ceremony on May 4. She encouraged students to embrace this next chapter and move forward with the lessons gained from their time at Talladega.
Receiving her honorary Doctor of Humane Letters at the event, Merkerson surprised graduates and the school’s supporters with the heartwarming news. She told news stations of the importance of giving back while noting the immediate warmth she felt upon stepping onto the HBCU campus.
“It’s important to give back,” she told WRBC6 following the graduation. “I have had a lot of luck in my career, and I came down here and met some wonderful people who embraced me immediately. I felt at home, and I love what this college has done over 150 years.”
Merkerson is an acclaimed screen and stage actress, earning four NAACP Image Awards and a Screen Actors Guild and Golden Globe Award. She also received two Tony Award nominations for her performance in the theater.
The “Law & Order” actress played on the procedural from 1993 to 2010, continuing her career with a starring role in NBC’s “Chicago Med.” The college also detailed her humanitarianism, as she advocates for diabetes awareness, cancer prevention, tobacco-free initiatives, and the upliftment of young women through multiple nonprofits.
Merkerson’s philanthropy will now support the school as it enters a new era for its community. Talladega also recently announced its new president, Willie L. Todd Jr., who will lead the school as it advances its scholarship.
Talladega’s Board of Trustees also expressed its gratitude for Merkerson’s generosity. The board’s chair, Rica Lewis-Payton, called the funding a “powerful example” that will impact the next generation of leaders.
“This transformative gift from S. Epatha Merkerson sets a powerful example of philanthropy and will have a profound impact on Talladega College. It ensures that this institution remains a beacon of light in the community that fosters the development of future leaders for generations to come,” said Lewis-Payton, as reported byABC3340. “We are privileged to have generous friends and donors, such as Ms. Merkerson, who believe in the mission of our historic institution and who are willing to invest in its future.”
New York Lowers Prison Guard Hiring Age To 18 While Struggling To Hire Correction Officers
Other states such as Florida, Maine and New Jersey permit 18-year-olds to be hired as correctional officers.
Spectrum News 1 reports that the new minimum hiring age for prison guards in New York is set to be lowered from 21 to 18 to boost correction officer hiring status after a strike resulted in over 2,000 guards being fired.
Democratic Gov. Kathy Hochul is expected to sign the measure, approved by state lawmakers in early May 2025, into law as other states, such as Florida, Maine, and New Jersey, permit 18-year-olds to be hired as correctional officers.
The law will include some provisions for hiring younger guards, including policies prohibiting them from obtaining or using firearms or transporting inmates outside prisons. Hired guards must also be supervised when performing “contact roles” with inmates during the first year and a half of employment.
The shortage has resulted in the state corrections commissioner ordering the early release of some inmates, limited to inmates convicted of minor crimes and already granted release for the near future. Other inmates convicted of sex crimes, violent felonies, or serious felonies, including murder, terrorism, and arson, were not on the eligibility list for early release.
According to NPR, younger guards could be hired after dozens of guards walked off the job in February 2025 during a strike protesting poor working conditions. Hochul deployed the state National Guard to prisons to maintain operations during the strike. However, more than 2,000 guards who refused to return to work were terminated when the strike ended, even with the state and guards’ union reaching a deal.
Hochul even banned the terminated guards from holding other state jobs.
Prison officials made concessions to get officers back to work, including an overtime pay rate 2.5 times the hourly rate for 30 days and a promise that officers would escape departmental discipline if they returned.
The strike highlighted how tense work culture was for corrections officers as they felt the state didn’t do enough amid the increased violence and scrutiny within some state prisons. The killing of New York state prison inmate Robert Brooks made headlines after 10 former correctional officers were seen on video beating him while handcuffed.
In addition to Brooks, fellow inmate Messiah Nantwi succumbed to injuries sustained by a series of alleged beatings by guards. Ten guards were charged in Nantwi’s death, including two with murder charges.
Federal Prosecutors Have Lost Contact With Key Witness In Diddy Trial
Prosecutors admit they have not heard from 'Victim-3,' who is expected to give testimony against the former Bad Boy executive
Federal prosecutors are facing a setback before opening arguments in the Diddy trial. They have reportedly lost contact with a key witness against the entertainment mogul.
According to Deadline, the U.S. Attorney’s office for the Southern District of New York has not heard from a witness identified as Victim-3 (to protect her real name from public scrutiny) who is expected to detail her experience with Diddy with claims of being sexually exploited by him. Law enforcement sources have indicated to the media outlet that the alleged victim has possibly made herself unavailable out of fear for her safety, it’s been speculated.
There is also a chance that defense attorneys may ask for a mistrial or a delay based on the theory that if one of the prosecution’s witnesses is unavailable, it changes their strategy. The issue is that since she is one of the main witnesses to accuse the No Way Outproducer of sexual assault and other crimes, if she may not testify, they would have to change how they defend the case, and it may take some time to do so.
The likelihood of Victim-3 not appearing was mentioned to the judge on May 9 in court during jury selection. Assistant U.S. Attorney Maurene Comey assured Judge Arun Subramanian that the prosecution’s office would inform the judge by the end of the day if the alleged victim had been contacted and would appear in court. There has been no indication on the court docket that confirms or denies that the assurance took place.
After learning of the status of Victim-3, Judge Subramanian, after successfully getting the jury size of 150 down to 43, voiced concerns about the potential loss of the alleged victim. He wanted “some certainty that you’re not going to have to re-do jury selection.”
Diddy has been charged with two counts of sex trafficking, two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution, and one count of racketeering. The mogul has pleaded not guilty after denying that the crimes took place.
Kai Cenat Teases His Streamer University, But Some Influencers Warn Of The Downside Of Content Creation
While Cenat's idea is certain to attract attention and people serious about stepping up their content creation skills, some warn about the downsides of being a content creator full-time.
Twitch megastar Kai Cenat has confirmed that his once-hypothetical “Streamer University” is officially launching, months after first floating the concept during a February 2025 livestream. While the idea is already generating buzz among aspiring creators eager to level up their content game, some are raising concerns about the toll a full-time influencer lifestyle can take on mental health.
According to People, Cenat’s trailer announcing his Streamer University contained a take on Hogwarts, the school that is the setting for the popular Harry Potter books and film franchise it spawned. In the video, Cenat writes letters to prospective streamers, informing them of their selection to his university.
Streamer university will be a all inclusive trip paid to where all creators will be living on a college campus for FREE and just enjoying getting content in general if you want to be a teacher or student apply now ! You don’t have to be a streamer just a general creator is needed…
“I’m excited to extend to you a most heartfelt welcome to the very first class of Streamer University,” Cenat said. “Here, you will find a school where chaos is encouraged and content is king…I look forward to seeing you all on campus for our first-ever semester.”
Cenat’s original idea involved renting out a brick and mortar university to host his classes, but specifics around those particular logistics such as location, dates, or course material have yet to be announced; but he has previously floated the idea of having other content creators like MrBeast or Mark Rober assist with teaching the university’s free classes.
Cenat’s website, which he created for prospective content creators to apply, says that “streamers of all backgrounds” are welcome to learn “alongside both unrealized, upcoming and well-established creators.”
However, MrBeast, who has not confirmed his involvement, recently warned of the downside to content creation, during a February interview on Steven Bartlett’s Diary of a CEO podcast.
“If my mental health was a priority, I wouldn’t be as successful as I am,” he told Bartlett during a discussion.
According to Shira Lazar, the co-founder of CreatorCare, a newly launched telehealth service that seeks to assist content creators with mental health issues specific to their careers, content creators often struggle with anxiety, depression, and disordered eating, in addition to fluctuating incomes.
“(The) fear of disappearing fuels burnout in a system that constantly demands you feed the feeds. I’m like Joan Rivers; I’ll be creating until I die, which is why I want to make sure I can thrive,” Lazar told Wired in an interview.
Amy Kelly, the cofounder of Revive Health Therapy, and a licensed family therapist whose clientele consists of many content creators, told the outlet that the influencer industry itself is not built to sustain the creators that feed it.
“Social media is not just a platform—it’s a recruiter,” she told Fast Company, as she noted that 57% of Gen Z teens in the U.S. said that they would become influencers if given the chance. “We’re grooming teens into a digital workforce with proven mental health hazards—the modern equivalent of sending kids into coal mines without protective gear.”
As Lazar told Passionfruit in an interview, “The creator economy has exploded but the support systems haven’t kept up. As more Gen Z step into this space professionally, we need to treat it like the real workplace it is. That means sustainable systems not just for monetization, but for mental health, too.”
Kevin Hart Teams Up With ‘Living Single’ Stars For Nostalgic Podcast: Erika Alexander And Kim Coles Rewind The ’90s Classic
The 'ReLiving Single' recently premiered.
Stars of the popular sitcom Living Single, Erika Alexander and Kim Coles, are bringing the nostalgia in a new podcast that will reminisce about the show.
Alexander and Coles, who starred as Maxine Shaw and Synclaire James, respectively, have graced the screen again for the taped podcast, which started May 7. The duo made the special announcement to delight fans while on The Sherri Shepard Show.
“The people always want more,” Coles announced on the daytime program, as reported by MSN. “So Erica and I, and Hartbeat have teamed up to give you more…how about the ‘ReLiving Single’ podcast?”
“We [go into] all the behind-the-scenes-like things that [audiences] never heard before, and also things that we’re revealing to each other that we didn’t know at the time. There’s tears, joy, and all the things.” Coles continued.
However, fans can also expect some special guests from the hit 90s show to appear on the podcast. The show will be co-produced by Kevin Hart’s companies Laughing Out Loud (LOL) Network and Hartbeat, and Alexander’s Color Farm Media.
Alexander also emphasized her co-host and former co-star’s legendary career and comedic chops. She noted the mentoring role Coles played among the cast, which helped the show’s own legacy.
“This is a really wonderful way to keep it moving with the great Kim Coles, who is a legend not only in comedy,” Alexander added. “[She] was a really great mentor to us all, teaching us how to be not only in our space but also be ourselves through our characters.”
While the show, which also starred Queen Latifah and Kim Fields, has yet to get its own reboot, the duo hope this will appease fans. However, they also said to never say never on the group that inspired Friends to hit television again.
“I would say yes, because we all still look good,” Coles teased. “And because we all still love each other and there’s still a beautiful chemistry [between us] that will never die. So I would say yes if the opportunity presented itself.”
Rightfully so, the first episode of Re-living Single dissects the show’s pilot. Fans can catch the premiere episode on all podcast platforms as well as YouTube, shared below.
Here’s How To Protect Your Peace And Your Paycheck
Code-switching, emotional labor, and daily resistance is real
Hi Fairygodmentor,
As a Black professional in a predominantly white workplace, I often face microaggressions that leave me drained. How do you protect your peace and address this without jeopardizing your career?
Yours truly,
Exhausted but Hopeful
Dear Exhausted but Hopeful,
First, let me pause for the cause and let you know that I see and hear you. What you’re experiencing is real—and it’s not all in your head, you’re not overreacting, or being “too sensitive.” Microaggressions may be called micro, but their impact on your peace, confidence, and mental health is anything but small. And yet here you are: still showing up, still hoping. That’s powerful.
R – Reflect: Before reacting, pause. Ask yourself: What exactly was said or done? How did it make me feel?Were there any witnesses? Document these specific moments—dates, times, people involved. Keeping receipts isn’t petty; it’s powerful. This gives you a record, especially if a pattern emerges.
I – Identify Your Intention: Do you want to address the person directly, raise it with leadership, or protect your energy and disengage for now? All actions are valid. You get to choose how and when to engage. Your intention guides your strategy. I would highly suggest that you act sooner rather than later. Timing is everything if you’d like these behaviors to end.
S – Set Boundaries & Speak Up (If Safe): In my book on self-advocacy (Show Your Ask), I mention that when you “raise your voice, you raise your value.” You might say: “When that comment was made (be specific on what was said and when it was said), it made me feel uncomfortable. I’d appreciate it if we could be more mindful moving forward.” Short. Direct. Professional. You’re not explaining your humanity—you’re asserting your dignity.
E – Elevate the Conversation (or Escalate if Needed): If the microaggressions continue, consider involving HR or a trusted mentor or sponsor in leadership. Use your documentation. You deserve to work in an environment that respects you. And if your workplace isn’t there yet? Elevate yourself. Don’t be afraid to explore places that will value you fully.
Please don’t forget to rest and recharge. The toll of code-switching, emotional labor, and daily resistance is real. Protect your peace. Lean into community—trusted friends, mentors, and yes, your Fairygodmentor®—who can refill your cup when it runs dry.
I want you to post this message everywhere you can see it! You are not the problem. Your presence in these rooms is not a threat—it’s a gift. And your boundaries? Those are a blessing that command dignity and respect. You have value!
You got this!
Yours truly,
Your Fairygodmentor®
(Photo: Kirten White Photography/BE)
About Joyel Crawford:
Joyel Crawford is an award-winning career and leadership development professional and founder of Crawford Leadership Strategies, a consultancy that empowers results-driven leaders through coaching, training, and facilitation. She’s the best-selling author of Show Your Ask: Using Your Voice to Advocate for Yourself and Your Career.
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