A story following an employee who receives startling information that ultimately alters the course of his day. Starring: Kornelius Bascombe Directed by: Davis Northern
Being black in corporate America means you have to document EVERY-SINGLE-THING, save every single email, watch every little thing you say or do, DO NOT HAVE ANY TYPE OF RELATIONSHIPS IN OR OUT THE WORKPLACE, be extra eloquent, be always on time and maintain a low profile. We as black men are held to a stricter standard in the workplace
@@truthliesbeneath3134 I’m saying the culture defends black women…. As black men were told and shown that we ain’t sht since were boys Im telling you queen the struggle is different
Working in Corporate America should be a temporary thing. Just learn the business, then move on to start your own business. But don’t tell anybody what your plans are!!!
On my compliance team, according to my performance metrics, I was more productive than the entire team of 14 members. My productivity rating literally stated that I was outworking the entire team of over a dozen people by a ratio of 3 to 1. Not only was I repeatedly criticized for following instructions but I was denied a pay raise that everyone else got. My supervisor told me to reduce my productivity to focus on emails and my manager told me I had job security and that my productivity didn't matter anyway. Literally, on New Years, I was fired for reducing my productivity as requested. Beware the games they play. When you don't pretend to be someone you aren't or take disrespect they see you as a threat and want you gone.
Same thing is happening to me, outperform and outwork, yet still fall under the bootlickers. Ask for direction, get told to reduce productivity, and then bam , evidence that youre underperforming. Its a vicious cycle that im not sure anyone can ever beat....
@@backuph6228 I wish you guys the best .. I have a Economics degree 2020.. 2021 all I had was contracts jobs and like 20 interviews with all white people... guess what.. no call backs
@@sharifalexander114 I literally just graduated with a master's degree and I am applying to jobs that say "master's preferred and I am still getting passed over for people without the education or experience.
The guy in the video should just get a new better paying job. The employer obviously dont respect him and if he stays means “thank you may I have another”.
I totally agree with you, it's really like this where I work, I'm the only black man in the department, Grambling State🖤💛 didnt tell me about this . . .SU😂
Agreed 110%. We get judged more and have to prove ourselves ten times more. Its unfair society. That's why we see a small percentage of black CEOs. Demoralising
This is why ALL black people need to get together and make their own companies and LEAVE. No more music, Stop making them art and entertainment and go.
But you won’t. You’ll all do the same exact thing you always do- and that’s to cut each other down the second one of you have success. You call each other “sell outs”, “Ckunes”, and “unk-ul Thoms”. And then the rest of you are just unprofessional and have shitty attitudes. You get smart with customers and clients. You get smart with coaches and trainers who try to teach you the details of a job. You don’t participate. You behave as if the workplace is a middle school class room. You celebrate those of you who are embarrassments and have no home training. And you discourage those or you who are young and idealistic and tell them that they are sell outs for trying to build a career. That’s why you never get ahead. You don’t support one another. And then after you do ALL of that, you all call everyone racist as to why you are not able to get ahead.
As a black engineer, I've learned to no longer care about being accepted in "corporate America." Corporations are just a middleman between the consumer and me. So I focus more on trying to cut out the middleman and work for myself.
I'm an older individual, 40, and I was wondering do you think it might be too late to get into engineering? I want to do electrical engineering. Been working on my math for the last few months to catch up.
reason I say this... is that you really want to get into what's calling your is it small electronics, the power grid, electric cars... In some cases you may not need the degree but if you do... then you can get the degree and really take the courses around it.
Being a brotha in corporate America sucks!! Last one to get hired, 1st one to get fired, no matter how good you are at your job duties you're written up/warned/let go/terminated once you make mistakes no matter how forgivable they are, dealing with passive-aggressive Karens and Kens, ugh! I recommend NOT working in corporate America unless it's mandatory 😬🙄😤😖😅
I wish the best for you! I'm a black male in the Biopharmaceutical industry making 125K a year. Let me know if you have any questions or comments regarding the topic. Hopefully, I can provide you with something of value.
Been through this before...once I got my last promotion it was my last promotion. In 5 years everyone around me started moving up to senior who has just joined their teams and I was stuck at the associate pay. When I asked about a move up they kept bird feeding me excuses. I left them at a critical time when my manager and 1 of my two co workers quit, I never felt better giving a job notice before. Now i'm making 10,000 a year more with better benefits and twice the paid holidays.
I retired from a Fortune 50 corporation in 2018, a couple of years before this video was released (it was a second career for me...I had already retired from an Air Force career). We had built up a substantial and effective Black Mafia in the corporation that guided black employees from the mailroom (literally) to the Executive Suite. That had been built even before I got there by some of the earliest black people hired in the late 60s and early 70s. It had benefitted me...I was hired because my mother-in-law went to church with the mother of one of the vice-presidents. He had a job created just for me. That's how the Black Mafia worked. But I discovered by the end of my career there, that younger blacks were not interested in being part of the Black Mafia. For some reason, black people watching out for black people didn't seem to have been part of their nurturing. So, I saw the effective Black Mafia falling apart even before I retired...because young black people didn't seem to think they needed it.
You have to fight. Everyday it’s a fight to stay afloat. Be innocent as a dove but wise as a serpent. As a black person, it’s stressful trying to navigate the corporate chessboard. Always seek out help from trustworthy people, make sure you discern, because other black folks is just as nasty and evil. Not all white folks are terrible either, some white executives are always willing to help. I was rescued by one after being under a black manager who promoted every other race except his own. My advice is this: be about the action, be bold, fight and go after what you think you deserve. I don’t care how many mistakes you’ve made. Keep on fighting, don’t quit, don’t surrender. Keep pressing forward! BE ABOUT THAT ACTION and not just talk.
I wish the best for you! I'm a black male in the Biopharmaceutical industry making 125K a year. Let me know if you have any questions or comments regarding the topic. Hopefully, I can provide you with something of value.
@@EraFitnessify tI appreciate it I’m leaving the corporate world for the military but if you want to connect on LinkedIn or something that’s fine as well.
This spoke to every molecule in my being. Thank you for bringing to life the hurt that dies within us everyday. The ending was powerful. It brought me to tears because it's painfully true. The mask we as black men are forced to wear to survive the onslaught of indignities, slights and micro aggressions is awful. I felt seen here. Thank u. Much love to all my brothers.
Going through this now! I'm the only black person on my staff and I'm a manager. One of the white manager has been discriminating me and I brought it to hr. At first they were going to do an investigation but little by little they seem to be covering up for her. Mind you, she still holds a job! She hasn't been suspended or anything! I decided to contact EEOC today. I work at Kendra Scott Jewelry! Smh!
This is absolutely true I was 1 of 4 black professionals of 485 individuals. I was also the youngest at 27 where the 2nd youngest being 39 I over preformed, secured capital, process engineered for 323 localities single handedly. I was told people like me do not work in the type of environment by a senior. I was making 83k while EVERYONE made over 160k…. I was fired because my coworker email agencies in my name not using my email but HER EMAIL. She destroyed the excel sheet we used for contacts and blamed it on me… I was working from home and was terminated… I was the only professional with a PMP in a PMO… I had to figure out why I was fired by myself when a hr personal said corrupted excel files and incorrect emails… I was discriminated against by racism and agism. However I was also the only member giving executive solutions. Where the senior executives were incompetent..
That is terrible how they treated you and fired you. However, it sounds like you have what it takes to build something better than where you were working!
@@robyearwood76 Lol. Im Black... AF. Been there once.. Never going back. Id rather be looked at as the "Angry Black Guy" if I gotta go through that again
Wow, I never knew so many people went through this. I worked for an airline company before that has a very racist undertone on the inside, but the catch is you won't see it until you're in a situation like the guy in the video. In a lot of ways, I was him and soon got fed up with the constant gaslighting, lying about raises, watching everybody white get promotions, and the list goes on. To be completely transparent, I worked with some very racist people that would say things about blacks, and then try to make me sign documents to say I wasn't offended. Like it was really that crazy!! Starting my own business has been the best thing ever from a mental health perspective. Instead of making these companies rich, why not try it for yourself first. That's something I wish somebody would've told me sooner, but now the cat is out of the bag. These companies don't deserve our talents if they aren't willing to level the playing field and hold everybody to the same standard that they hold you. To everyone going through this just continue to hold your head up. Your confidence and intelligence are their biggest fear!s
Tip#1 Workout everyday and meditate (keep your mind and body aligned and stress free) Tip# 2 Dress well and avoid situations that make you look dumb. Tip#3 Make allies with other blacks that are trust worthy. (Not all are) Tip#4 Work on getting out and working for yourself or working remotely. (Use covid to your advantage) (Also Keep this to yourself) Tip# 5 Don't be a victim (it's all in the mindset)
Tip # 6 Start your own business and quit thinking the only way for a black man to succeed in life is by becoming an employee working his ass off for a boss that will never acknowledge his talents.
@@jermen5137 Thanks man, never in my life would I ever want to integrate in a system that's designed to take me down, if nobody wants to give you food, you grow your own food, instead of waiting for some stranger to give it to you.
I've worked in tech in Corporate America for years. Starting out this was my dream job, but my lived experience has truly been disheartening at times. The same problems with bigotry and racial bias in American society are amplified because of the direct competition for resources. Sadly, this video is a true representation of the black experience in corporate America.
Don't ask, Listen, you get your raise coming through the front door. I am black older than my all my team but companies pay me more at the front door, not once you get in. Thats call a promotion.
To all of you: I am black as well. In my opinion, this is something that we must find a way to get past. I've worked for major corporations including some of the ones that all of you have worked for. I even worked where OJ was stationed just to give a hint of my prior jobs. I transitioned into I.T. after obtaining my A+ and Net+ certs. One of the most important things that I've learned in my experience is to adapt, but not sell out my soul for any job, and to realize that all animals want to be close to someone similar to themselves. In the animal kingdom, you don't see cows, hanging with pigs, or blackbirds hanging with white birds, we are no different from what they are, and with that mindset, I've always found a way to survive. Unfortunately, it's truly about survival and if YOU don't like it, then it's time to exit. It's sad, but we must learn how to survive. It's tough when you don't have no one similar to you in a position to help boost your career, but ones only to hopefully see you exit. Never give up, never quit until it is on your term, because that is what they want you to do (enough running). I use to be a fighter, if a manager tried to write me up, then I'm writing him up too. I'm going to his boss, his boss's boss, and even the owner. I use to fight and fight hard. At my previous job, I had the CIO tell my director to write me up because his colleague's wife complained and said that I made a mistake (even though I hadn't made a mistake in IT since I've been in IT) (thank god), my director begged the CIO to not write me up and he didn't listen, so I wrote him up and I wrote him up bad and he downgraded that mess which should never had to happen to begin with, but the good thing is that he was quite for almost 8 months and everyone at this 5 billion a year company in IT that he was over, which was everything from Security, Networking, System Admin, ITAM, Client System, like a one-stop-shop, was finally happy to see him not in everyone else lane. Today, I just got a new job making almost 20 grand more a year in IT and corp told them that I was the best and only candidate qualified for the job. I think that I am the first black person who has worked in this facility. Two of the employees there, who are white, got their jobs because a prior manager thought the girl was cute and the other guy went to the manager and ask him to help him get into IT. Yes, the Karens who got a job in IT because they were described as cute or Ken who only had to ask the manager to get in, tried numerous times to go to the manager to get me fired. They even told the director and manager that they are not going to train me or help and they both have all the experience in the department with access to everything. Talking about trying to set me up to fail. They've even left the job, and called off sick so that I can be there all alone (sink or swim), guess what, I knocked it out of the park every time, trained myself. I hope they've all come to realize that we all are dispensable. The moral to this story is that we all have unsettling stories to tell, but the main focus is doing the best job that you can and survive.
This is damn near a religious experience coming to find this space and all the comments validating EVERYTHING I’ve experienced for 22 years. Sadly, I’ve spent too much time gaslit by family, friends and colleagues who either couldn’t relate or, had no direct experience and couldn’t offer any helpful advice on how to navigate CorpAm. I learned to be strong eventually and trust my first instinct for people and situations. That’s been the best protection though I’m STUNNED this isn’t a well publicized dialogue in our community. Now, I tell every Black college grad or professional entering these spaces who will listen what to anticipate and watchout for.
What did you get your masters in? Also, try getting your IT certs and if you DM me I will show you some quickness about it. With a masters you should be working for a hospital
That's not how we act. I am very blunt and straightforward. I show my worth, and let it be known there are other companies. Handle your finances well and know your stuff all the way to the millions. Don't kiss anybody's ass.
I am fucking going through it right now at the shitty office I work at. Only black guy at the moment, but willing to stick through until my clothing business takes off. Great movie. Loved it.
The salary bump thing is crazy. Reminds me of a time my white female counterpart in the company walked into my office crying. She closes the door and is in tears. I'm confused as hell so I ask her what's going on. She says, she got a raise but knows she doesn't deserve it. She sees that I'm working hard doing more than 3 people's jobs and it's not right. At the end of the year they gave me a $5k raise, which, if you know taxes is nothing. I tripled the company's revenue in one deal and somehow still ended up on a PIP. No wonder Black small business ownership is on the rise.
I had to learn Mandarin just to get a job as a janitor. 23 years later, I’m the property manager. It didn’t come without battle scars, shrapnel wounds and plenty of days like this.
@@brandonjones2878 working in corporate America is good money but they can let you off of a drop of a dime being a plumber electrician a carpenter a garbage man you're guaranteed a job
You got the job because you earned it. Maximize your salary when you negotiate at the front door and if you don't want to risk it then you should try to accept whatever you see once you get into the company. A reputable company will pay you close to your worth to get you. I'm making 20 thousand more than I thought I would be given.
I’m going threw this has we speak. White boy gets promoted because we want to (try) him. After I been busting my ass for years (7) and he works 6months to get the position he don’t even qualify for. I literally sold millions every year shit stupid
I wish the best for you! I'm a black male in the Biopharmaceutical Sales industry making 125K a year. Let me know if you have any questions or comments regarding the topic. Hopefully, I can provide you with something of value.
Do you have yor degree and does he have his degree? Whites will always promote and uplift their race and they are supposed to do that just like we should as well. But we have an act for tearing us down too.
I was working on a GED and was scared I may not pass so I thought I might get a smart friend to help me cheat to pass so I asked him , His response was, would you be okay with knowing you really didn't achieve this on your own like your not smart enough to do it, just like people who get jobs because they are Black as if blacks were no smart enough. He help me study and I passed on my own And yes I felt proud of myself. By the way my friend was black . Later I asked him about this reverse discrimination thing. He said he refused to apply at a job the gave him special treatment or consideration because he was black as if he was not smart enough. Then he said just like I said to you Todd if I helped you cheat to pass you would never know if you could do it on your own. so he wasn't taking the easy hand out job because he was black because he would always wonder if his color got him the job or his ability. Then He said it's a matter of Integrity and pride
Your thoughts are on point! Your advice on point! The facts you stated are truth. But nothing has changed since I left corporate forty years ago and it won’t…start your own business/firm
Let's create our own corporate America! Let them have the bureaucracy and office politics. They extract 13 TRILLION from us annually, so "we broke" is NO LONGER a valid excuse!
I resigned with a letter on Tuesday January 18, 2023 at 10:00am CST. I'm moving on to something else. It may or may not be better, but I'm moving on. #TiredOfWearingMyMask😔😖😣😞😤😫😪😡
I was waiting for the Facade to break. Bravo on this skit. Explains our experience in corporate perfectly. Could be on top of our game all we want.....someone else undeserving will get the raise just for showing up.
Thank you for this short life experience brother, as it is , its already hard being black let alone being given a fair chance to show what you can posiblby do with your skills and capabilites.
Towards the end it seemed like he had a lot of silent rage building up. It can turn into another incident like when that fired doctor came to his old job and shot up the place, killing multiple people.
I am a senior majoring in Mechanical Engineering, young black woman. I have a job interview for Cisco Systems for a hardware engineering position in San Jose salary range is 81k-113k. I previously worked for Apple, idk what to expect but i for dam sure not accepting anything under $100k salary. Idk what to expect
Not everyone is meant to be a business owner. Nor do people have any ideas on what they're business would even be if they were to start one. We need to stop this "forced entrepreunership" culture. Cut that shit out.
Ive been flipping tables like Jesus at the Temple since I was put in a children's home in 1975 at age 9. Im not going to stop now. Bump all that noise. Protip: use Ai to construct all your corporate written communications, resumes, cover letters.
"It's not what you're called, but what you answer to that tells the world how you expect to be treated." -SL Which psychological, neurological, or physiological systems require "being Black" in order for them to function as nature intended? In other words, what part of your body is actually "Black?" For the sake of accuracy, please....DO NOT refer to skin tone.
I wish the best for you! I'm a black male in the Biopharmaceutical industry making 125K a year. Let me know if you have any questions or comments regarding the topic. Hopefully, I can provide you with something of value.
Message received. This was very informative and I will strive to achieve this until the day I die. Take a deep breath boys and always look for better opportunities never settle for anyone or anything. Rule 1. Smile and wave boys smile and wave.
Everybody wants an executive level six figure job. It’s nice if you are white and can be yourself and get promoted and make personal connections with the executive leaders, however, for a black man you have to “play the game” by putting on a mask and pretending to be a “cookie cutter” guy who works hard, likes golf, has a perfect family, and is always happy because the moment you speak in Ebonics, talk about poverty/family issues, or express a range of emotions you become the stereotype and will be fired or never promoted…..
Being black in corporate America means you have to document EVERY-SINGLE-THING, save every single email, watch every little thing you say or do, DO NOT HAVE ANY TYPE OF RELATIONSHIPS IN OR OUT THE WORKPLACE, be extra eloquent, be always on time and maintain a low profile. We as black men are held to a stricter standard in the workplace
Well said, brother
Us black women have to face the same thing trust and believe
@@truthliesbeneath3134 true but y’all have more back up y’all ain’t viewed in the same light
@@Darnellgenard that’s unfair depending on how the BW looks and not even her resume or skills. There are exemptions to who gets a pass from YT
@@truthliesbeneath3134 I’m saying the culture defends black women…. As black men were told and shown that we ain’t sht since were boys Im telling you queen the struggle is different
Working in Corporate America should be a temporary thing. Just learn the business, then move on to start your own business. But don’t tell anybody what your plans are!!!
Currently 🫶🏾
Definitely!
Moving in silence should be a mantra for Black people especially when surrounded by "Fragility".
You know it doesn't work like that? Not EVERYBODY can start a business. Imagine if everyone had a business....
Facts
Finding another job isn’t always the answer, because these patterns are ingrained in most companies
BINGO!!!! AND to top it off finding another job isn't that easy.
You gotta flip tables man. Jesus flipped tables.
Going from job to job experiencing the same thing is soul-destroying & decimates mental health. You'd better pick your poison.
All the white peoples in the comments thinking they can speak on the black experience are sending me 🤣🤣🤣
Man they be all up in african diaspora news channel talking reckless tryna but into convos that don't concern them. Niggas can't have shit. Smh
Truly foolish! I see them too. 🥴 and they probably are the same no good ones like in this video.
@@floridawater7947 hey white boy chill
We are all human white or black and go through our own bs.
They don't even know 1% of what we go through.
On my compliance team, according to my performance metrics, I was more productive than the entire team of 14 members. My productivity rating literally stated that I was outworking the entire team of over a dozen people by a ratio of 3 to 1. Not only was I repeatedly criticized for following instructions but I was denied a pay raise that everyone else got. My supervisor told me to reduce my productivity to focus on emails and my manager told me I had job security and that my productivity didn't matter anyway. Literally, on New Years, I was fired for reducing my productivity as requested. Beware the games they play. When you don't pretend to be someone you aren't or take disrespect they see you as a threat and want you gone.
Same thing is happening to me, outperform and outwork, yet still fall under the bootlickers. Ask for direction, get told to reduce productivity, and then bam , evidence that youre underperforming. Its a vicious cycle that im not sure anyone can ever beat....
@@backuph6228 I wish you guys the best .. I have a Economics degree 2020.. 2021 all I had was contracts jobs and like 20 interviews with all white people... guess what.. no call backs
@@sharifalexander114 I literally just graduated with a master's degree and I am applying to jobs that say "master's preferred and I am still getting passed over for people without the education or experience.
Fired today🤷🏾♂️
@@augustusbrown5320 keep your head high .. more blessing coming your way .. stay positive.. your body is a big source of energy
Black professional's career paths are treacherous, humiliating, and humbling. We live this everyday.
Amen. Our experience is not at all unique, respectively, yet it's such an isolating, lonely feeling to "have a seat at the table"
The guy in the video should just get a new better paying job. The employer obviously dont respect him and if he stays means “thank you may I have another”.
Constant harrassment and belittling
I totally agree with you, it's really like this where I work, I'm the only black man in the department, Grambling State🖤💛 didnt tell me about this . . .SU😂
Agreed 110%. We get judged more and have to prove ourselves ten times more. Its unfair society. That's why we see a small percentage of black CEOs. Demoralising
This is why ALL black people need to get together and make their own companies and LEAVE. No more music, Stop making them art and entertainment and go.
@Rex Winston sus
YES
As long as we don't have some our same color doing the very same thing
The problem is that they print the money
Amen
This is truly why us as black people need to work together in the corporate world.
some blacks are toxic too.
But you won’t. You’ll all do the same exact thing you always do- and that’s to cut each other down the second one of you have success. You call each other “sell outs”, “Ckunes”, and “unk-ul Thoms”.
And then the rest of you are just unprofessional and have shitty attitudes. You get smart with customers and clients. You get smart with coaches and trainers who try to teach you the details of a job. You don’t participate. You behave as if the workplace is a middle school class room. You celebrate those of you who are embarrassments and have no home training. And you discourage those or you who are young and idealistic and tell them that they are sell outs for trying to build a career. That’s why you never get ahead. You don’t support one another.
And then after you do ALL of that, you all call everyone racist as to why you are not able to get ahead.
As a black engineer, I've learned to no longer care about being accepted in "corporate America." Corporations are just a middleman between the consumer and me. So I focus more on trying to cut out the middleman and work for myself.
I'm an older individual, 40, and I was wondering do you think it might be too late to get into engineering? I want to do electrical engineering. Been working on my math for the last few months to catch up.
@@JoeCnNdyou are still young , it’s never too late . You got a good 30 to 40 years left if lucky .
@@JoeCnNdskip the bachelor... Focus on the area you want to be part of
Amen, work for your end client.
reason I say this... is that you really want to get into what's calling your is it small electronics, the power grid, electric cars... In some cases you may not need the degree but if you do... then you can get the degree and really take the courses around it.
I quit jobs once I dont get what I want, I already know they don't want to give me what I deserve
you blks are lazy... get out
And God forbid when you speak up for yourself..
Being a brotha in corporate America sucks!!
Last one to get hired, 1st one to get fired, no matter how good you are at your job duties you're written up/warned/let go/terminated once you make mistakes no matter how forgivable they are, dealing with passive-aggressive Karens and Kens, ugh! I recommend NOT working in corporate America unless it's mandatory 😬🙄😤😖😅
I'm here because I'm going through this right now 😩😩😩
You are spot on Cren!!! And it's not just corporate America. I'm dealing with the same crap in the federal government!
I wish the best for you! I'm a black male in the Biopharmaceutical industry making 125K a year. Let me know if you have any questions or comments regarding the topic. Hopefully, I can provide you with something of value.
@DOSGRX any science related bachelor's will be useful. I have a BS degree in nutrition.
@@EraFitnessify how did you get hired? I get turned down all the time
Remember we will work twice as hard for a fraction of the pay. Their hand claps can’t replace the dollars/pounds you’re worth. 😕
For real. Underplayed and under appreciated
“Applause” is the word you’re looking for, sweetie.
This is why blacks need to take our talents directly to the market ourselves. NO employer is ever going to pay you what you are truly worth.
you dont have talent.. youre DEI hires
Been through this before...once I got my last promotion it was my last promotion. In 5 years everyone around me started moving up to senior who has just joined their teams and I was stuck at the associate pay. When I asked about a move up they kept bird feeding me excuses. I left them at a critical time when my manager and 1 of my two co workers quit, I never felt better giving a job notice before. Now i'm making 10,000 a year more with better benefits and twice the paid holidays.
What are you doing now. #Mylimithasended
Congrats bro on the come up
I always love to hear about black excellence
Because usually it comes from a pit of failure or setbacks
This is why I started my own business. I ain’t got to deal with these devil 👿
I retired from a Fortune 50 corporation in 2018, a couple of years before this video was released (it was a second career for me...I had already retired from an Air Force career). We had built up a substantial and effective Black Mafia in the corporation that guided black employees from the mailroom (literally) to the Executive Suite. That had been built even before I got there by some of the earliest black people hired in the late 60s and early 70s. It had benefitted me...I was hired because my mother-in-law went to church with the mother of one of the vice-presidents. He had a job created just for me. That's how the Black Mafia worked. But I discovered by the end of my career there, that younger blacks were not interested in being part of the Black Mafia. For some reason, black people watching out for black people didn't seem to have been part of their nurturing. So, I saw the effective Black Mafia falling apart even before I retired...because young black people didn't seem to think they needed it.
They will learn the hard way.
Shame! I wish I had that support system in place!
Yep had a white unqualified guy get a shot before me in a corporate sales position. Today I run my own business
You have to fight. Everyday it’s a fight to stay afloat. Be innocent as a dove but wise as a serpent. As a black person, it’s stressful trying to navigate the corporate chessboard. Always seek out help from trustworthy people, make sure you discern, because other black folks is just as nasty and evil. Not all white folks are terrible either, some white executives are always willing to help. I was rescued by one after being under a black manager who promoted every other race except his own.
My advice is this: be about the action, be bold, fight and go after what you think you deserve. I don’t care how many mistakes you’ve made. Keep on fighting, don’t quit, don’t surrender. Keep pressing forward! BE ABOUT THAT ACTION and not just talk.
I came to the sad conclusion a few weeks ago that, it is a lose lose situation for many blacks. I had been in denial my entire career. Sad day.
I wish you the best. Going through the same thing
I turned my entire life around only to come to this conclusion also, stay strong.
I also was in denial but now live in reality
I go thru this literally everyday it’s tough being a black businessman in America no matter how hard you work
✊🏿
I wish the best for you! I'm a black male in the Biopharmaceutical industry making 125K a year. Let me know if you have any questions or comments regarding the topic. Hopefully, I can provide you with something of value.
@@EraFitnessify tI appreciate it I’m leaving the corporate world for the military but if you want to connect on LinkedIn or something that’s fine as well.
@@TrevieTrev fantastic. I spend 6 years in the army. They paid for my college. You are on a good path.
@@EraFitnessify thanks I’m gonna do my best. I appreciate the guidance and advice
This spoke to every molecule in my being. Thank you for bringing to life the hurt that dies within us everyday. The ending was powerful. It brought me to tears because it's painfully true. The mask we as black men are forced to wear to survive the onslaught of indignities, slights and micro aggressions is awful. I felt seen here. Thank u. Much love to all my brothers.
When you have righteousness, you dont have to put up with abuse.
Going through this now! I'm the only black person on my staff and I'm a manager. One of the white manager has been discriminating me and I brought it to hr. At first they were going to do an investigation but little by little they seem to be covering up for her. Mind you, she still holds a job! She hasn't been suspended or anything! I decided to contact EEOC today.
I work at Kendra Scott Jewelry!
Smh!
Record everything, take notes so have a paper or evidence trail.
@@Seizetheday2011 thank you that's what I've been doing
HR is NOT your friend! Nor are they sincerely interested in protecting you and your rights. Talk to a lawyer!
Your everyday black men just a smile to white america but at home deep down I’m hurt inside
What's better for the country socialism or capitalism do we give black and brown people unlimited money because they're disadvantaged ⁉️
@@bekimcolaku5258 yes you do. We will accept.
So hurt, very hurt
Make the money and save until you can exist. It is your life and don't expect someone else to make you happy.
This is absolutely true I was 1 of 4 black professionals of 485 individuals. I was also the youngest at 27 where the 2nd youngest being 39 I over preformed, secured capital, process engineered for 323 localities single handedly. I was told people like me do not work in the type of environment by a senior. I was making 83k while EVERYONE made over 160k…. I was fired because my coworker email agencies in my name not using my email but HER EMAIL. She destroyed the excel sheet we used for contacts and blamed it on me… I was working from home and was terminated… I was the only professional with a PMP in a PMO… I had to figure out why I was fired by myself when a hr personal said corrupted excel files and incorrect emails…
I was discriminated against by racism and agism. However I was also the only member giving executive solutions. Where the senior executives were incompetent..
That is terrible how they treated you and fired you. However, it sounds like you have what it takes to build something better than where you were working!
Aaa-huh.
Hope that you sued for the lies they told.
Him smiling that long made me feel weird AF. Lol
Try living it
@@robyearwood76 Lol. Im Black... AF. Been there once.. Never going back. Id rather be looked at as the "Angry Black Guy" if I gotta go through that again
Me too
yes, its weird seeing yourself at one point
@@Bigram.sonsun yep true
This short story nailed it! We go above and over and they still look out for their own. Its not fair!
This is the game they play.
Wow, I never knew so many people went through this. I worked for an airline company before that has a very racist undertone on the inside, but the catch is you won't see it until you're in a situation like the guy in the video. In a lot of ways, I was him and soon got fed up with the constant gaslighting, lying about raises, watching everybody white get promotions, and the list goes on. To be completely transparent, I worked with some very racist people that would say things about blacks, and then try to make me sign documents to say I wasn't offended. Like it was really that crazy!!
Starting my own business has been the best thing ever from a mental health perspective. Instead of making these companies rich, why not try it for yourself first. That's something I wish somebody would've told me sooner, but now the cat is out of the bag. These companies don't deserve our talents if they aren't willing to level the playing field and hold everybody to the same standard that they hold you.
To everyone going through this just continue to hold your head up. Your confidence and intelligence are their biggest fear!s
LOL!
Tip#1 Workout everyday and meditate (keep your mind and body aligned and stress free)
Tip# 2 Dress well and avoid situations that make you look dumb.
Tip#3 Make allies with other blacks that are trust worthy. (Not all are)
Tip#4 Work on getting out and working for yourself or working remotely. (Use covid to your advantage) (Also Keep this to yourself)
Tip# 5 Don't be a victim (it's all in the mindset)
Tip # 6 Start your own business and quit thinking the only way for a black man to succeed in life is by becoming an employee working his ass off for a boss that will never acknowledge his talents.
@@ced2268 there you go!! 👏👏👏 I’m all for step 6! Fuck 1-5.
@@jermen5137 Thanks man, never in my life would I ever want to integrate in a system that's designed to take me down, if nobody wants to give you food, you grow your own food, instead of waiting for some stranger to give it to you.
Thanks for this advice needed it. Tip #4 is sad but very true unfortunately.
Was it a mindset for those people who were hanging from trees by ropes?
It's not always a "mindset".
I'm white and the best bosses I've ever had are black. Chill, fair, empathetic, and respectful
I am Hispanic, and I have had 2 black bosses. Very chill and peaceful. Both men.
Unless it’s a blk female , she will hate on the black male to show off for wyt master
thats so sad
@@juanshaftpatel7488 lol
Honey I got the promotion with that same smile but deep down inside it hurts when white peoples make us feel small in size
Always
The fact that we don’t stick together
don't they though!
@@augustusbrown5320 we need to that’s the economy way of survival
Its in their blood to react that way because once upon a time we were slaves to them. Times have changed.
Why am I sad from watching this. This is so sad what some people have to put up with.
@Roddy Moe sorry to hear that. It's hard to be a black man.
@@Chicfemme it’s not that bad big penis good a sports thing helps a ton
Guess you wouldn’t know
This was very well done, you perfectly captured the black experience of the corporate world.
I've worked in tech in Corporate America for years. Starting out this was my dream job, but my lived experience has truly been disheartening at times. The same problems with bigotry and racial bias in American society are amplified because of the direct competition for resources. Sadly, this video is a true representation of the black experience in corporate America.
the boss is clearly jealous of him LMAO
MOST of #Them 'are'. and dont be physically FIT and can dress better than them. Story of my entire life
Just like the current manager I work with. Sick.
lol, I literally knew they were going to tell him it's not in the budget, because that's exactly the excuse I got!
Don't ask, Listen, you get your raise coming through the front door. I am black older than my all my team but companies pay me more at the front door, not once you get in. Thats call a promotion.
To all of you: I am black as well. In my opinion, this is something that we must find a way to get past. I've worked for major corporations including some of the ones that all of you have worked for. I even worked where OJ was stationed just to give a hint of my prior jobs. I transitioned into I.T. after obtaining my A+ and Net+ certs. One of the most important things that I've learned in my experience is to adapt, but not sell out my soul for any job, and to realize that all animals want to be close to someone similar to themselves. In the animal kingdom, you don't see cows, hanging with pigs, or blackbirds hanging with white birds, we are no different from what they are, and with that mindset, I've always found a way to survive. Unfortunately, it's truly about survival and if YOU don't like it, then it's time to exit.
It's sad, but we must learn how to survive. It's tough when you don't have no one similar to you in a position to help boost your career, but ones only to hopefully see you exit. Never give up, never quit until it is on your term, because that is what they want you to do (enough running).
I use to be a fighter, if a manager tried to write me up, then I'm writing him up too. I'm going to his boss, his boss's boss, and even the owner. I use to fight and fight hard.
At my previous job, I had the CIO tell my director to write me up because his colleague's wife complained and said that I made a mistake (even though I hadn't made a mistake in IT since I've been in IT) (thank god), my director begged the CIO to not write me up and he didn't listen, so I wrote him up and I wrote him up bad and he downgraded that mess which should never had to happen to begin with, but the good thing is that he was quite for almost 8 months and everyone at this 5 billion a year company in IT that he was over, which was everything from Security, Networking, System Admin, ITAM, Client System, like a one-stop-shop, was finally happy to see him not in everyone else lane.
Today, I just got a new job making almost 20 grand more a year in IT and corp told them that I was the best and only candidate qualified for the job. I think that I am the first black person who has worked in this facility. Two of the employees there, who are white, got their jobs because a prior manager thought the girl was cute and the other guy went to the manager and ask him to help him get into IT. Yes, the Karens who got a job in IT because they were described as cute or Ken who only had to ask the manager to get in, tried numerous times to go to the manager to get me fired. They even told the director and manager that they are not going to train me or help and they both have all the experience in the department with access to everything. Talking about trying to set me up to fail. They've even left the job, and called off sick so that I can be there all alone (sink or swim), guess what, I knocked it out of the park every time, trained myself. I hope they've all come to realize that we all are dispensable.
The moral to this story is that we all have unsettling stories to tell, but the main focus is doing the best job that you can and survive.
I love your tenacity, and perseverance, truly, but the goal is to thrive, not survive. We've been just surviving long enough.
I love this!!!
💯💯‼️🙌🏾
This is really helping people through the pain thank you for the content
Same
This is damn near a religious experience coming to find this space and all the comments validating EVERYTHING I’ve experienced for 22 years. Sadly, I’ve spent too much time gaslit by family, friends and colleagues who either couldn’t relate or, had no direct experience and couldn’t offer any helpful advice on how to navigate CorpAm. I learned to be strong eventually and trust my first instinct for people and situations. That’s been the best protection though I’m STUNNED this isn’t a well publicized dialogue in our community. Now, I tell every Black college grad or professional entering these spaces who will listen what to anticipate and watchout for.
I can’t even get a job in corporate America, I got a masters, did 5 years in the marine corps, and still can’t find a job that pays more than 12.35$.
What did you get your masters in? Also, try getting your IT certs and if you DM me I will show you some quickness about it. With a masters you should be working for a hospital
The "smile" brought tears to my eyes. That cut so deep.
That's not how we act. I am very blunt and straightforward. I show my worth, and let it be known there are other companies. Handle your finances well and know your stuff all the way to the millions. Don't kiss anybody's ass.
Love this message! Everyone needs to watch!
Rachel Jordan
hi rachel!
Wow masterfully done
Thank you kindly
I am fucking going through it right now at the shitty office I work at. Only black guy at the moment, but willing to stick through until my clothing business takes off. Great movie. Loved it.
Stay mentally tough, survive and don't worry about what people think
@@you_only_have_4000_weeks that is the key..everything you just said 💯💪🏾
After a few years of being black in corporate America, I wish this wasn't true.
The salary bump thing is crazy. Reminds me of a time my white female counterpart in the company walked into my office crying. She closes the door and is in tears. I'm confused as hell so I ask her what's going on. She says, she got a raise but knows she doesn't deserve it. She sees that I'm working hard doing more than 3 people's jobs and it's not right. At the end of the year they gave me a $5k raise, which, if you know taxes is nothing. I tripled the company's revenue in one deal and somehow still ended up on a PIP. No wonder Black small business ownership is on the rise.
literally my first day at work staring at myself in the employee restroom - fake it till you make it
Showing all of his teeth 🦷
I had to learn Mandarin just to get a job as a janitor. 23 years later, I’m the property manager. It didn’t come without battle scars, shrapnel wounds and plenty of days like this.
Never call another man "boss".
I never have. That's not anyone's job title.
The Mask is strong in those Corporate stratosphere
Deep
Corporate America is a bunch of babies real job is plumbing electrician construction they couldn't do that if their life depended on it 👊
@@bekimcolaku5258 I’m a plumber myself. I rather be in corporate America.
@@brandonjones2878 working in corporate America is good money but they can let you off of a drop of a dime being a plumber electrician a carpenter a garbage man you're guaranteed a job
You need to have a skill in my opinion. We set the tone for everything ❗️
Wow!! Great work on exposing the experience of working in Corporate America. Great work explanation!!! Spot on 🎯🎯🎯
Why deal with the headache I rather work in the fields than be in the big house
You got the job because you earned it. Maximize your salary when you negotiate at the front door and if you don't want to risk it then you should try to accept whatever you see once you get into the company. A reputable company will pay you close to your worth to get you. I'm making 20 thousand more than I thought I would be given.
The long claps in that like we first landed on the moon 🤣
Wow! Deep but so true...this is insane
Nailed it. Is someone spying on me?
I’m going threw this has we speak. White boy gets promoted because we want to (try) him. After I been busting my ass for years (7) and he works 6months to get the position he don’t even qualify for. I literally sold millions every year shit stupid
I wish the best for you! I'm a black male in the Biopharmaceutical Sales industry making 125K a year. Let me know if you have any questions or comments regarding the topic. Hopefully, I can provide you with something of value.
Do you have yor degree and does he have his degree? Whites will always promote and uplift their race and they are supposed to do that just like we should as well. But we have an act for tearing us down too.
I was working on a GED and was scared I may not pass so I thought I might get a smart friend to help me cheat to pass so I asked him , His response was, would you be okay with knowing you really didn't achieve this on your own like your not smart enough to do it, just like people who get jobs because they are Black as if blacks were no smart enough. He help me study and I passed on my own And yes I felt proud of myself. By the way my friend was black . Later I asked him about this reverse discrimination thing. He said he refused to apply at a job the gave him special treatment or consideration because he was black as if he was not smart enough. Then he said just like I said to you Todd if I helped you cheat to pass you would never know if you could do it on your own. so he wasn't taking the easy hand out job because he was black because he would always wonder if his color got him the job or his ability. Then He said it's a matter of Integrity and pride
Your thoughts are on point! Your advice on point! The facts you stated are truth. But nothing has changed since I left corporate forty years ago and it won’t…start your own business/firm
Let's create our own corporate America! Let them have the bureaucracy and office politics. They extract 13 TRILLION from us annually, so "we broke" is NO LONGER a valid excuse!
I resigned with a letter on Tuesday January 18, 2023 at 10:00am CST. I'm moving on to something else. It may or may not be better, but I'm moving on. #TiredOfWearingMyMask😔😖😣😞😤😫😪😡
Best of luck. ❤️
How did it go?
I was waiting for the Facade to break. Bravo on this skit. Explains our experience in corporate perfectly. Could be on top of our game all we want.....someone else undeserving will get the raise just for showing up.
You should be happy, people like you don't get opportunities like this, wow what a condescending speech.
Thank you for this short life experience brother, as it is , its already hard being black let alone being given a fair chance to show what you can posiblby do with your skills and capabilites.
“Bidding time, and hiding strength.” - Deng Xioping -
Towards the end it seemed like he had a lot of silent rage building up. It can turn into another incident like when that fired doctor came to his old job and shot up the place, killing multiple people.
As far as mass shootings go I'd be more afraid of white kids tbh
We seek the safety of a paycheck over our own self-respect.
Wow... Powerful, eye-opening and most insightful. Thank-you so much! For this could not have come at a better time. 👍🏽
I am a senior majoring in Mechanical Engineering, young black woman. I have a job interview for Cisco Systems for a hardware engineering position in San Jose salary range is 81k-113k. I previously worked for Apple, idk what to expect but i for dam sure not accepting anything under $100k salary. Idk what to expect
What happened?
Man make that money and start your own business in 4 years problem solved
Yep!
That's if he lasts that long. These whites don't want blacks to have anything
@@MrSivram28 They can't stop you from owning your own business.
Not everyone is meant to be a business owner. Nor do people have any ideas on what they're business would even be if they were to start one. We need to stop this "forced entrepreunership" culture. Cut that shit out.
@@user-fb8bo3ys2f Correct
Thank you, this was powerful! 👏👏👏
Blacks need to support black businesses. That the solution.
...just got fired by my new Asian manager, I feel like its semi-personal...
Wow the mask !!!! Definitely understand!!!!!
exactly!!!
Newsflash brother it aint no secret *EVERYBODY KNOWS*
That's why I started my own biz. I remember how it was. Nope not for me.....
The SECRET study STEM. Stay out of marketing and sales.
…absolute truth.
Even in some STEM fields the top usually board are whites the second level are asians and Indians then black
Trust me it’s even worse in STEM
I went through this exact scenario in real life. Its a very much real thing.
u should've asked your boss why amy got the raise
You can't whine. You get the message and strategic exit. You get the experience and achievements you need to get and get a better job offer.
You don’t have to sell out to work in Corporate America. Be yourself have some damn dignity, integrity and self respect.
Reality
Black men leave corporate america and start your own business
Ive been flipping tables like Jesus at the Temple since I was put in a children's home in 1975 at age 9. Im not going to stop now. Bump all that noise. Protip: use Ai to construct all your corporate written communications, resumes, cover letters.
I just went through and experience that no matter what I said it was and issue or if I didn't say anything it was and issue
"It's not what you're called, but what you answer to that tells the world how you expect to be treated." -SL
Which psychological, neurological, or physiological systems require "being Black" in order for them to function as nature intended?
In other words, what part of your body is actually "Black?"
For the sake of accuracy, please....DO NOT refer to skin tone.
This has happened to me for the past 3 years.
I wish the best for you! I'm a black male in the Biopharmaceutical industry making 125K a year. Let me know if you have any questions or comments regarding the topic. Hopefully, I can provide you with something of value.
Message received. This was very informative and I will strive to achieve this until the day I die. Take a deep breath boys and always look for better opportunities never settle for anyone or anything. Rule 1. Smile and wave boys smile and wave.
Nailed it!!!
Meanwhile blacks in Europe: “you American blacks even have career paths?!?”
Powerful
Thanks!
nice vid!
You should rise your voice and fight it up eaven if you have to fight a company at court
Trump had made the courts more conservative and racist.
Deserve a reward for this
Thanks!
@@KorneliusBascombe This was me like all 2020 after being passed up for promotions but also being told my performance was spectacular.
Damn, I thought dude was gonna break his teeth.
Powerful message
That handshake thooo LMAO!!
Why is he smiling so hard lmao
Everybody wants an executive level six figure job. It’s nice if you are white and can be yourself and get promoted and make personal connections with the executive leaders, however, for a black man you have to “play the game” by putting on a mask and pretending to be a “cookie cutter” guy who works hard, likes golf, has a perfect family, and is always happy because the moment you speak in Ebonics, talk about poverty/family issues, or express a range of emotions you become the stereotype and will be fired or never promoted…..
This should be titled..."Being treated like you are "Black" in corporate spaces."