Black women all over the world are tired. Sick and tired of the blatant, targeted mistreatment in the workplace. Two separate incidents over the past week, involving the disrespect of two prominent Black women, U.S. Representative Maxine Waters (D-CA.) and veteran reporter April D. Ryan of American Urban Radio Networks, by two male public figures. Rep. Maxine Waters has made it no secret that she will not stop fighting for what she believes in. She is seen repeatedly going toe-to-toe with the current administration and making no apologies for it. As she’s doing her due diligence for the American people, Bill O’ Reilly goes onto television and proceeded to mock Waters, stating that he could not focus on what she has to say because he is too distracted by her “James Brown wig”.

Black people have been tired of Bill, and Sean has clearly lost his mind.

Later that same day, reporter and White House correspondent, April D. Ryan, was “scolded” by White House Press Secretary, Sean Spicer. In a room full of her peers on a live national television broadcast, he told her to stop shaking her head.

We are tired of having to be thrice as good in the face of mediocrity, sexism, and racism.

These unacceptable incidents left many, particularly Black women, infuriated. This led activist, Brittany Packnett, to create the hashtag, #BlackWomenAtWork. The Waters and Ryan incidents are not uncommon for Black women in the workforce…regardless of status. We are damned if we do, and damned if we don’t.

“I’m surrounded everyday by brilliant, confident, incredible black professional women who get demeaned despite their prowess. Today, I was over it. I have deep an abiding respect for Congresswoman Waters and Ms. Ryan who are both trailblazers in their fields.  They are to be respected, just like every other black woman who rises each day to contribute to this society in ways that are all-too-often taken for granted.”  – Brittany Packnett

Women all over the nation chimed in to share the challenges faced in their very own workplaces.

I am a strong black woman. I cannot be intimidated, and I’m not going anywhere. #BlackWomenAtWork

— Maxine Waters (@MaxineWaters) March 29, 2017

Saving work emails dating back to 2011…because you never know when someone will try to throw you under the bus. #BlackWomenAtWork

— Val (@UnapologeticVal) March 29, 2017

Check out the hashtag and see for yourselves. Don’t forget to listen…this is not a figment of our imaginations.