Black Women Winning: It's What We Do - A Legacy of Vision, Equity, and Innovation

In a world where the contributions of Black women have often been overlooked or undervalued, we are witnessing a powerful shift.

Black women are not only excelling across diverse fields but are also breaking down barriers and creating new opportunities for others. From entrepreneurship and pay equity to advancing technology and driving meaningful diversity efforts, Black women are leading with vision, resilience, and purpose.

No, don't sleep on us. Let's be reminded - Black women win.

It's what we do. We know it, and everyone else should too.

It's worth celebrating just a few of the many ways Black women are creating impact—and fostering a legacy of strength and success.

Leadership and Ownership

Despite being underrepresented in leadership positions, Black women are driving remarkable progress in entrepreneurship. In the United States alone, there are over 134,000 Black-owned businesses, employing 1.3 million people and generating a remarkable $133 billion in total receipts. This impact goes beyond numbers; it supports communities, creates jobs, and builds a legacy of resilience and success. This entrepreneurial growth reflects the creativity and determination of Black women who are challenging systems and building new pathways for future generations.

A Winner: Pinky Cole Hayes

Known for her vibrant personality and revolutionary business acumen, Pinky Cole Hayes is the founder of Slutty Vegan, a fast-growing vegan burger chain that has captured national attention. Beyond her thriving business, Pinky has been a champion of “group economics,” using her platform and success to support Black entrepreneurs and reinvest in her community. By paying tuition balances for students at her alma mater, Clark Atlanta University, and helping other small business owners get a start, Pinky exemplifies how Black women entrepreneurs are not just building wealth for themselves but are fostering economic empowerment for others.

Progress in Pay Equity

While the gender pay gap persists, Black women have shown notable progress in earnings. In 2022, Black women’s median weekly earnings were 90.7% of their male counterparts, a higher percentage than other racial groups. This is a testament to the resilience and determination of Black women to achieve financial equity, though more work remains. Black women continue to advocate for fair compensation, recognizing that true economic empowerment involves breaking down structural barriers to achieve pay parity.

A Winner: Minda Harts

An advocate for equity in the workplace, Minda Harts is the founder of The Memo LLC and author of The Memo: What Women of Color Need to Know to Secure a Seat at the Table. She’s been a vocal leader in addressing the pay and opportunity gaps that affect Black women. Through her writing, workshops, and consulting work, Minda is helping Black women advocate for fair compensation and build pathways to leadership.

Perception of DEI Efforts

Even under debate, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives are essential to creating fair workplaces, and Black women overwhelmingly recognize their value. A recent survey found that 78% of Black employed adults view DEI efforts positively, in contrast to only 47% of White employed adults. This highlights a significant divide in how DEI initiatives are perceived, with Black women often leading the charge in pushing for meaningful, inclusive workplace environments that benefit everyone.

A Winner: Dr. Marcella Nunez-Smith

A physician and health equity researcher, Dr. Nunez-Smith is a leader in advocating for diversity, equity, and inclusion within healthcare. Her research focuses on improving health outcomes for marginalized communities, and she was tapped to chair the U.S. COVID-19 Health Equity Task Force. Her work exemplifies how Black women are essential voices in shaping equitable policies and practices that impact all Americans.

Impact of AI and Technology

Advancements in AI and technology have opened new doors for Black women, providing more opportunities in STEM fields and supporting diverse leadership. Remote work, AI-powered tools, and flexible work environments have helped women balance professional and personal lives more effectively. Black women in tech are not only breaking into traditionally exclusive fields but are also advocating for ethical standards and inclusive technologies that reflect the communities they serve.

A Winner in AI: Dr. Timnit Gebru

A trailblazer in AI ethics, Dr. Gebru is a computer scientist who co-founded the Distributed Artificial Intelligence Research Institute (DAIR), focused on the ethical implications of AI. Her work has spotlighted the importance of ethical considerations and diversity in tech, pushing for AI systems that are fair, inclusive, and socially responsible. Dr. Gebru’s leadership in AI shows how Black women are at the forefront of technological advancement and ethical standards.

Black women are pushing the boundaries of what's possible, driving change in leadership, equity, and innovation. Our achievements deserve to be celebrated, amplified, and supported. As we continue to recognize these trailblazers, we must also commit to supporting the next generation of Black women leaders. Let’s celebrate progress, acknowledge challenges, and encourage each other to keep going strong.

Key Points:

1. Black women are leading the way in creating economic growth, breaking barriers in entrepreneurship, and inspiring future generations.
2. Progress toward pay equity and inclusive workplace environments is underway, but there is still significant work to be done.
3. Black women are advancing technology and ethical standards, emphasizing the importance of diversity and responsibility in AI and other fields.

Critical Question:

What can be done to ensure Black women receive fair compensation for their contributions in all sectors?

Call to Action:

Who are the Black women you admire for their impact and contributions? What other areas do you see Black women excelling in? How can we better support and celebrate their successes?

Share your thoughts and join the conversation - let’s celebrate our collective journey and push for even greater impact! #BlackWomenWinning