Workplaces

In Cleveland, where economic statistics often paint a rosy picture of post-COVID growth, the experiences of Black Women in the workplace reveal a starkly different reality. This reality is masked by national tastemakers who publicize a thriving and diverse Northeast Ohio job market, which often conceals the systemic issues and interpersonal struggles Black Women face throughout their professional careers.

Far from being the named beneficiaries of Northeast Ohio’s economic success, Black Women are disproportionately pushed out of entire industries, reflecting a troubling pattern of exclusion and inequity that lies beneath the surface of the region’s incremental economic success.

Project Noir 2024: Final Report

Workplace Summary

Black Women frequently encounter workplace sabotage, a lack of progressive professional development, and harmful office gossip that undermines confidence and stifles career advancement.

Project Noir: Workplaces

"DEI" as a Coded Slur

Coded language, a subtle yet pervasive form of gendered racism, continues to undermine Black Women in Cleveland workplaces. Often disguised as harmless comments or jokes, these veiled criticisms create a constant stream of microaggressions that Black Women must navigate daily.

Since the 2021 publication of Project Noir, the term "DEI Hire" has increasingly been used as a coded slur targeting Black Women in nonprofit and corporate spaces, both locally and nationally.

This harmful tag reduces Black Women to mere tokens of diversity, denying the recognition they deserve as accomplished experts and professionals in their fields.

Lies, Gossip + Accusations

Lies, gossip and accusations is a particularly harmful issue that Project Noir participants encounter in their workplaces and professional circles.

Acting as a double-edged sword, this theme underscores misogynoir as a massive societal problem and an internalized practice intra-community-wise, leading to destructive disputes among those of the same race and gender.

These toxic practices can permanently tarnish reputations, erode intra-group trust, and create an environment of fear and anxiety.

Workplace Themes

Workplace Statistics

77%
of Project Noir respondents have been micromanaged and felt as if their work was being unfairly critiqued, or that they were being held to a higher standard than their peers

72%
of Project Noir respondents were subjected to comments/debate about racism, sexism, or other issues

50%
of Project Noir respondents had their work sabotaged, destroyed or otherwise interfered with by coworker(s), management, or other staff

"A white supervisor called me a liar and dumb, sabotaged my work, belittled in me in front of clients, and followed me around the office - despite my 26 years of experience in the position."

Workplaces

Black Women frequently encounter workplace sabotage, a lack of progressive professional development, and harmful office gossip that undermines confidence and stifles career advancement.

"DEI" as a Coded Slur

Lies, Gossip + Accusations

77% of Project Noir respondents have been micromanaged and felt as if their work was being unfairly critiqued, or that they were being held to a higher standard than their peers

72% of Project Noir respondents were subjected to comments/debate about racism, sexism, or other issues

50% of Project Noir respondents had their work sabotaged, destroyed or otherwise interfered with by coworker(s), management, or other staff

"A white supervisor called me a liar and dumb, sabotaged my work, belittled in me in front of clients, and followed me around the office - despite my 26 years of experience in the position."

Project Noir 2024 Respondent

77%
of Project Noir respondents have been micromanaged and felt as if their work was being unfairly critiqued, or that they were being held to a higher standard than their peers

72%
of Project Noir respondents were subjected to comments/debate about racism, sexism, or other issues

50%
of Project Noir respondents had their work sabotaged, destroyed or otherwise interfered with by coworker(s), management, or other staff