en en en en en en en en en en hbs_lat en en en en nl en en en en pt it en en en en id en en en en en en en en ceb en it en en en en en en en en en en en en nl de en en en en en uz en en en en en en en en en eu en en en en en en en en en en en en en es en es en en en en en en en en en uk en en it en en en fr en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en vi nl en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en it en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en hbs_lat en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en it en en en en en es en en en en en en en en en en en en es en en en en en it en en en en en en en en eu en en en en en en en en en en en en en en hbs_lat en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en vi en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en pl en en en en en en en en en hbs_lat en en vi en en en en en en en en en en
Serena Williams Husband Alexis Ohanian Relationship Goals - xoNecole: Women's Interest, Love, Wellness, Beauty
EWC She Comes First Podcast
Subscribe to our newsletter for your daily empowerment fix.
Exclusive Interviews Celebrity News Culture
Style Hair About Face I Tried It
Letter From The EditorFinance Boss Up Workin' Girl
About Us Advertise With Us Submit Your Stories DisclosurePrivacy Policy
She Comes FirstMade For Me Happy Hour
Contact UsAbout UsSubmit Your Stories
Serena Williams' Hubby Reminds Us That We Should Be Celebrated, Not Just Tolerated
Mar. 01, 2018 10:07AM EST
Well, maybe the problem is sir, that you're not doing enough.
After making her return to tennis following a taxing maternity hiatus, our personal (s)hero, Serena Williams, was surprised by a grandiose gesture of support during her drive through Palm Springs on Tuesday.
Serena's husband, Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian just made it necessary for every man in America to step his game up when it comes to celebrating their women. Ohanian rented out four billboards that featured pictures of Serena and her baby girl, Alexis Olympia, that read "G.M.O.A.T: Greatest Momma of All Time," and it is the cutest thing you'll see all day:
It's a phrase that Ohanian has told the tennis star before, on their wedding as a matter of fact. According to UsWeekly, Ohanian told his bride on their special day:
"You are the greatest of all time, not just in sport. And everything that I have done, everything that I am so proud of in my career, and in my life, for the last 34 years, pales in comparison to what we're doing today."
Can somebody get me a tissue?
Ohanian's display of affection is a reminder that maybe we're not asking for too much, we're asking the wrong person. The dated stigma that women are "too demanding" has finally reached an expiration date and it's time for us to replace this problematic notion with FACTS: Girl, you deserve it all.
Tinder, Plenty Of Fish, and all of the other forms of social media dating have desensitized us to the point where it makes me personally question if my old school standards of courtship and chivalry are outdated. Recently, a guy that I was dating told me that I was beautiful, but immediately followed with, "But, I'm not trying to boost your head up." I smiled and proceeded to delete his number.
Some will say I overreacted, but I know who I am. I know that I deserve to be boosted. I'm freaking dope. Did I miss the memo when it became a negative thing to compliment and express affection toward the woman you're involved with? For a long time, I worked with what was given to me and felt unfulfilled.
However, I am now at a point in my life where it is a priority that I am celebrated, not tolerated.
We're all guilty of "forcing it" at least once in our lives. Forcing something that's not meant to be because we feel too insecure to seek something else, and possibly discover something better. It's 2018 and I'm claiming it: I want a love like Alexis Ohanian.
Is it really so old-fashioned that I expect a man to show some effort before I show him my sacred places? Society constantly challenges our motives and intentions as women, and we are consequently pushed into submission by societal norms and settle for less than we deserve.
If you don't determine your value, someone else will do it for you. Ohanian and Williams welcomed their baby girl last September and had a lavish dream wedding in New Orleans last November. It's refreshing to know that when you've found the right one, the honeymoon doesn't have to end.
Embarking on a comeback tour after labor complications and nearly dying only solidifies that she is superwoman. Her husband's act of kindness is symbolic of the love and support that we all, as superwomen in our own right, deserve.
Consider your options. Know that you have the power to weigh them. Take it from Serena, you deserve to feel special.
Featured image by Getty Images
Related Articles Around the Web
The love story of Serena Williams and Alexis Ohanian: PHOTOS ... ›
Serena Williams and Alexis Ohanian's Cutest Photos Together ›
Serena Williams' Birth Made Alexis Ohanian Believe in Paternity ... ›
Serena Williams on Her Pregnancy, Finding Love, and More | Vanity ... ›
Alexis Ohanian shares his fears, resolve after wife Serena Williams ... ›
How Did Serena Williams and Alexis Ohanian Meet? | POPSUGAR ... ›
Who is Alexis Ohanian? Reddit co-founder who is married to tennis ... ›
Like xoNecole on Facebook
Email AddressGet Our Newsletter
Taylor "Pretty" Honore is a spiritually centered and equally provocative rapper from Baton Rouge, Louisiana with a love for people and storytelling. You can probably find me planting herbs in your local community garden, blasting "Back That Thang Up" from my mini speaker. Let's get to know each other: @prettyhonore.
Ciara Opens Up About Growing Into Her Confidence & Gives Advice On Finding Your Equal
When you think about positive women in the music industry who can be looked to as role models, Ciara should come to mind. The wife, mother, and businesswoman have leveled up in all areas of her life and her story has served as an inspiration for many women. Fans have witnessed her growth from her “Goodies” days as the princess of Crunk&B to becoming an international superstar. Now, she has ventured into other spaces such as skin care, fashion, education, and more.
The “Better Thangs” singer covered the Sept/ Oct 2022 issue of Ebony and got candid about motherhood, working with husband Russell Wilson, and overcoming challenges she’s faced in the music industry.
Ciara on Growing Into Her Confidence.
“In the beginning, it was challenging living my life in front of the world. It made me way more guarded. Even when you have your ugliest moments that you wish no one else could see, you don’t have a choice. My philosophy is to run towards my fears and the things that make me uncomfortable, so I was running for a while. As a young girl coming up in this industry, I was carrying so much on my shoulders. Eventually, I was like, 'You know what, this is who I am and either you like it or you don’t.' I can’t live my life based off what someone thinks, or someone else’s comments. Then suddenly, I’ll start thinking that in my mind because words are powerful.”
“I’m also spiritual, so I am who God says I am; no one can take that away from me. When you reach higher heights, the hate grows greater—it doesn’t stop. But baby I’m hater-proof. And even when people say negative things, I think to myself, 'God bless you. I understand you could be going through something, but I’m going to love.' And guess what? I’m good. My family loves me. I’m good. God loves me. I’m good. There’s nothing you can say that’s going to alter that or make me feel any different.”
Ciara on Finding the Right Partner for You.
“Don’t ignore the signs. Sometimes we want to make things happen with people who only check off a few boxes. Conversation is everything. The first day my love and I talked, I had never had a conversation like that with any other person. You have to really listen to what people are saying. How do they talk about people? How do they love themselves? How do they love others? Are they spiritual? Do how they think align with your thoughts? All these things tell us a lot.
"When you have that common-ground connection, it’s more than half the battle. It’s less about words—because people will sell you a dream—and more about what they do. You have to see who someone truly is. And time does tell a lot, you know? But at the same time, the truth could be right in front of us and we’re just not opening our eyes. Don’t be afraid to be disappointed. I know I’m not perfect, but things work perfectly right for us. I believe there’s a person that’s perfect for everyone.”
Ciara on Working with Husband Russell Wilson on Their Fashion Brands.
“It’s so much fun because we’re doing it together. The great thing is that when he and I do anything together, we get to have a little bit of work and play. Luckily, we’re equally yoked and our visions are aligned. We have a big vision to create successful businesses. The ultimate goal is to build billion-dollar businesses. For us, this is about creating legacy brands. We have dreams to impact in every way possible. And there’s also a family component to it—we want to afford our kids the opportunity to possibly continue our legacy and work for the House of LR&C one day.”
“Being a mom is my most favorite job of all jobs. It’s work, day in and day out, and it is not easy. But it’s so worth it. My family has given me my why. I look at my husband, and I’m inspired every day. I’m even more driven because of my children; they make me feel like I’m doing something more in life. Life isn’t only about success. I feel very blessed that I’ve been able to win awards and make hit records. But you know, it only lasts but so long. That’s just the truth of it. Don’t get me wrong, legacy is forever, but the bond and love that I have with my family is even greater than anything I can be given.”
Ciara on the Advice She Would Give Herself After Having Her First Child.
“The journey I went on in front of the world was not the most comfortable. I felt so vulnerable in that moment. What I learned is to embrace the vulnerable times head-on. Looking back on [that] moment in my life I would tell myself, 'You’re doing good girl. Everything’s going to be alright. There’s good in what you’re going through, even in our toughest times.' There’s a scripture I love in the Bible, James 1:2-4, ‘Consider it pure joy when you face trials and tribulations because the testing of your faith produces perseverance.’ It’s the reason I named my label Beauty Marks Entertainment. My idea was that all of the scars you get from the obstacles you face in life are your beauty marks. All those moments that didn’t feel so beautiful and felt like a flaw are actually beautiful.”
Ciara on the Challenges She’s Faced with Stardom.
​“When I was young, I wore my heart on my sleeve. What I realized is when it comes to business, not everyone’s going to be as sincere as you are. That was a challenge for me along the way because in some rooms not everyone deserves to know everything or for you to give them every part of you—you must be selective. It took me a second to understand that, especially as a businesswoman. I learned to take my emotions out of it because business isn’t personal. The moment I did it was game-changing.”
Let’s make things inbox official! Sign up for the xoNecole newsletter for daily love, wellness, career, and exclusive content delivered straight to your inbox.
Featured image by Lionel Hahn/Getty Images
The daily empowerment fix you need.
Make things inbox official.
Meet The Holistic Approach To Periods That Can Transform Your Cycle
With more than 84% of women experiencing painful periods, there’s no wonder why “that time of the month” is filled with negative connotations. As someone who doesn’t fall into the 84% percent noted in that study, I can still attest to factors like age, stress, and lifestyle affecting my menstrual cycle and the way I experience my periods. Gone are the days when my symptoms peaked at salty and sweet cravings, and in its wake, I’ve been introduced to cramping, low estrogen levels, and a heavier flow than I’ve experienced in all my years of having a period. Where I used to look at my periods as a time of the month when was indifferent, I am now feeling the effects and I can only imagine how the other 84% of women reporting period pain go through (more power to y’all, for real).
Two things changed the menstruating game for me. One, the conscious decision to look at my cycle for the full 28 days that it is (anywhere between 21-40 days is considered "normal.") instead of just the 5-7 days I am actually in the menstruation phase of my cycle. And two, looking into cycle syncing as a holistic way to change my relationship with my period and my cycle overall. You see, instead of acting in opposition to what I experienced during my periods, I could lean into it and restructure my life in a way that aligned with the different phases of my cycle, and therefore the different “seasons” I was in. When it comes to all that cycle syncing entails, ladies and gentlemen, this is just scratching the surface.
Berrion L. Berry, founder of Optimize Your Flo and menstrual health educator, explains, at its core that cycle syncing “is aligning different aspects of your lifestyle such as fitness, nutrition, wellness, and even business with the phases of your menstrual cycle.” And although the results could vary from person to person, it is still something she recommends to women and menstruators to see if it positively affects the way they experience their cycles. She adds that not only can cycle syncing transform your periods, but it can also evolve the way people with periods work.
“As more and more research is being conducted we’re finding things that are so unique. Did you know that there are times throughout the cycle perfect for brainstorming new ideas like during the menstrual phase?” Berry continues, “When practicing cycle syncing and understanding changes that happen, people can actually work more effectively and I think that’s incredible. Especially if you’re someone who’s looking to go from feeling burnout to embracing the soft life.”
Keep reading for the phases of the menstrual cycle and how to optimize each phase for ultimate alignment as well as potentially less painful periods.
The Phases of the Menstrual Cycle
Phase 1: Menstruation (Winter)
Phase 2: Follicular (Spring)
Phase 3: Ovulation (Summer)
Phase 4: Luteal (Fall)
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Cycle Syncing Consultant, IHP, FAE (@berrionlberry)
Cycle Syncing During the Menstruation Phase (Days 1-7)
Menstruation is the “shedding of the uterine lining and when your period happens.” Berry notes that since the hormones are in an 'off' position during this time, your overall energy can feel low. Nourish the body with unprocessed, nutrient-rich foods and filtered water to keep your blood sugar and energy levels steady.
The Optimal Way to Nourish the Body:
"A good mix of lean proteins, healthy fats, and low GI carbs such as root vegetables, whole grain, and legume-packed stews, can support the energy-intensive process of menstruation."
The Optimal Way to Move the Body:
"Since your body is physically releasing, the best thing you can do is rest or active recovery. The reason you want to do this is so that you don’t apply additional stress (increased cortisol) to the body and create an inflamed, exhausted, or overwhelmed environment within the body.
"Light jogs, long hikes, a nice yoga flow for most people. If you’re someone who likes to train a lot, one of the best things you can do during this time is a low-intensity workout like Pilates as well, preferably mat Pilates.
Cycle Syncing During the Follicular Phase (Days 8-13)
The follicular phase is “the time between the end of the period and ovulation” and can be viewed as the “spring” season of your cycle. To prepare for ovulation, the body's hormone levels are on the rise as your egg follicles mature, Berry explains. In contrast to the low energy levels you might have felt during the menstruation phase, during the follicular phase, you may start to feel more energized.
The Optimal Way to Nourish the Body:
"Supporting your gut aids the body in processing estrogen and potential toxins that may be in your body. The more micronutrients you focus on getting during this time, the better. This is a good time to incorporate light, fresh and vibrant foods, such as salads and fermented foods like kefir, probiotic yogurt, or sauerkraut, which support gut health and detoxification."
The Optimal Way to Move the Body:
"During this time, since your hormones are beginning to rise, it’s the perfect time to pick back up on your workouts and training. Exercises like reformer Pilates, boxing, spin class anything a bit intense and vigorous is perfect for this. You may also want to consider adding a bit of resistance training in."
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Cycle Syncing Consultant, IHP, FAE (@berrionlberry)
Cycle Syncing During the Ovulation Phase (Days 14-21)
Berry refers to the ovulation phase as “the main event” of your menstrual cycle as it is when the egg is released from the ovary. "During ovulation, hormone levels are skyrocketing and estrogen is the life of the party. It aids in the ovulation process along with a surge in LH. Our basal body temperature also increases during this time, which can impact increased energy levels."
She also adds that “ovulation is not always day 14 of a cycle no matter what you’ve been taught in the past. Ovulation can actually change based off so many things, so just make sure you know your body.”
The Optimal Way to Nourish the Body:
"Consuming foods that are nutrient-dense, but also refreshing like a smoothie bowl or salad is definitely a must. See, excess estrogen can have a negative impact on our cycle, including breast tenderness and increased spotting, however, consuming nutrients that support the liver to remove estrogen is good to include and are found in foods such as kale, broccoli, onions, garlic, and radishes."
The Optimal Way to Move the Body:
"During this time, since your hormones estrogen, LH, and testosterone have surged, it’s the perfect time to do those higher intensity workouts and anything that will have you actively sweating and increasing your heart rate. Exercises like spinning, sprinting, and heavy lifting are perfect during this phase."
Cycle Syncing During the Luteal Phase (Days 22-28)
​The last phase of your menstrual cycle is “the time between ovulation and before the start of menstruation when the body prepares for a possible pregnancy if the egg is fertilized.” Berry continues, "During this phase, there's a shift in hormones, and around day 23 of your cycle, your body begins to prepare for the shed of the uterine lining. You may notice your cravings are a bit more intense, and you just want to eat everything in sight."
The Optimal Way to Nourish the Body:
"With estrogen on the decline and progesterone on the rise, you'll want to make sure that you focus on nourishing your body with additional nutrients like iron, magnesium, and zinc as well as complex carbs."
The Optimal Way to Move the Body:
"Since your body is preparing to physically release, the best thing you can do is low-intensity workouts and active recovery. The reason you want to do this is so that you don’t apply additional stress (increased cortisol) to the body and create an inflamed, exhausted, or overwhelmed environment within the body. I suggest light jogs, long hikes, or a nice yoga flow for most people."
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Cycle Syncing Consultant, IHP, FAE (@berrionlberry)
How to Start Cycle Syncing
If you want to start cycle syncing and optimizing your period health, Berry has the perfect method to start. In her teachings, Berry recommends beginning your cycle syncing journey through a process of habit stacking where you optimize cycle syncing by building on basic healthy habits you've already mastered. Berry sums this process up with the statement, "Standardize before you optimize." Her step-by-step process to standardize healthy habits is as follows:
O is for "organize your meals in sync with your cycle;"
N is for "nurture your adrenals" which Berry says means working out in sync with your cycle, making time to meditate, journal, or pray at least once a day, and getting on a regular sleep schedule;
E is for "execute daily" which Berry created a checklist to help people with this step (download the checklist here).
After utilizing her method to standardize your healthy habits, Berry advises looking at where you are in your cycle to optimize your lifestyle habits according to the recommended lifestyle habits according to the phase you are in. For more specifics, check out her guide on fertility awareness here. "Once you know where you’re at in your cycle, I like to recommend people start with nutrition, then add fitness and wellness, but ultimately people can start with wherever they want," Berry shares.
If you are starting your cycle syncing practice and don't wish to go the DIY route, Berry has a wealth of resources, including classes that she advises period havers to take if they are looking for a step-by-step plan with all of the details. Learn more about her classes here.
For more information about cycle syncing and daily tips, follow Berry on Instagram or TikTok @berrionlberry.
Featured image by Kevin Kozicki/Getty Images
Related Articles Around the Web
Cycle Syncing: What to Eat and Drink in Each Phase of Your Cycle ›
Cycle Syncing: How Optimizing Your Period Phases Works ›
Cycle Syncing - How to optimise your diet & nutrition around your ... ›
Cycle Syncing: How to Sync Your Diet, Workouts, and Productivity to ... ›
Cycle Syncing: Everything You Need To Know – Forbes Health ›
Cycle Syncing: Hormone Balancing, Exercises, Food, and More ›
Black Women's Equal Pay Day: 5 Real Solutions To Change The Game And Empower Ourselves
We all know that Black women, as educated, talented, and amazing as we are, have been paid and treated unequally in traditional workplaces for decades, especially when it comes to our pay.
To bring attention to the gender pay gap, the U.S. has recognized Equal Pay Day yearly, on March 15, since the mid-'90s, an effort sparked by the National Committee on Pay Equity. Then a shift happened where there was a vital need to specifically highlight pay disparities by ethnicity.
Recent research has found that, on average, Black women make 58 cents for every dollar their white male counterparts make, while white women make 73 cents for every dollar made by white men. (In other words, according to the AAUW, Black women make 42% less than white men and 21% less than white women.)
Black Women’s Equal Pay Day is commemorated on Sept. 21 to bring to light how much longer it takes for us to catch up to the earnings of her white counterparts.
While the overarching key to destroying the pay gap, especially for Black women, lies in the hands of the U.S. government and corporate leaders and requires major systemic shifts in how women are recruited, how their salaries are budgeted and negotiated, how companies are legally held responsible for breaches in pay equity, and other vital systemic changes related to bias and discrimination, there are ways we can empower ourselves, advocating for equal pay and ensuring that we get what we deserve. Here are five ways to do so in your workplace:
1. Always, always, always negotiate your salary, and get advisement if needed.
It might seem intimidating to push back after getting a great job offer, especially if the offer seems amazing. Research has shown that women are less likely to negotiate when it comes to salary, and they're leaving millions of dollars on that table. That notion alone is enough reason for you to speak up to at least see whether there's more that you should be getting for your talent and time.
No matter what job you're up for or the field you're in, always do your research on what a reasonable salary and benefits package should be and consider your lifestyle, unique talents, and credentials before accepting an offer.
You can look up salaries via sites like Glassdoor or Salary.com or follow IG pages like Salary Transparent Street to get a gauge of how much people make at their respective jobs. It's also a good idea to do a bit of informal comparative research in your real-life network and ask others about their salary negotiation and pay experiences.
Talking with a lawyer, leadership coach, trusted friend, family member, or someone who has sustained a successful and lucrative career is a good idea as well, especially if you're up for a management, director, or executive position. My best career decisions related to salary negotiations and advocating for what I deserve have been made with advisement from mentors (several of whom were men) and my own mom, who handles budgets and has experience in hiring decisions, and who has, unfortunately, often been one of the only Black people in leadership in her workplace.
2. Once in a leadership position, use your voice, actions, and influence to push for fair compensation practices.
If you're a manager, a leader in the C-suite, or a business owner (whether a small or mid-sized company), find ways to advocate for equal pay for employees, especially when recruiting new talent. Look into the way in which you set salaries and how you perceive "value" when it comes to an employee. Hire a consultant, do your research, and talk with teams to see what is feasible, what expectations exist, and what biases you might be holding as they relate to gender and pay.
Sometimes it's as simple as just offering women fair salaries, especially if you're the one handling budgets or one of the decision-makers for budgets and approvals.
Speak up when you see issues of inequity in pay. (In some cases, there are legal issues associated with this, as well as your possible role as an accomplice to wrongdoing.) Help create an environment where pay is talked about openly and honestly and where there's a sense of fairness exhibited via actual policies (on paper and enforceable). Offer options to compensate women that are also complimentary to salary in ways that accommodate women's needs that, while outside of work, affect the work that they do (ie. childcare, PTO, healthcare, and performance incentives).
When all else fails, withdraw your talents (via resignation) or support from companies that have historically been known for not paying women equally or who have supported, in action, policies that don't make equity a priority. Take legal action when applicable.
There are indeed women who see equal pay as a major factor in their leadership values. I'll never forget the time when a Black woman CEO upped my employment offer by several thousand dollars (on top of the negotiated salary I'd already asked for). It was profound to me because it showed that, while words are encouraging and offering opportunities is awesome, she put money where her advocacy was. It also reminded me to continue doing the same when I'm in the position to negotiate with freelancers and team members I've been privileged to lead and hire.
3. Build community and rally fellow women professionals, entrepreneurs, and leaders to change policies and culture around pay.
While there's a disparity when it comes to Black women CEOs at major Fortune 500 companies, businesses are significantly impacted by women (and we represent more than 56% of the workforce) so it's a good idea to build community with fellow women at your company and others. When it comes to systemic change, there's power in numbers. Set precedents and rally for changes that urge companies to follow suit. Being strategic about partnering with other women to ensure that compensation offers are not only equal but actually match the time and talent investment of the employee is just good business.
While we often talk about challenges related to white women being allies, there's also a crabs-in-a-barrel sense that Black women do not support one another, especially when in leadership positions, and thus do not actively advocate for one another, via action, when it comes to advancement and pay. This is something that can change.
If we all seek to walk in our purpose, look out for one another (when fair and appropriate), and think of the bigger picture, we can help to close the gap. For example, early in my career, I was told that I was getting market value for a job. After researching, I found that notion to be true and accepted the offer. However, I later found out that a peer—with similar experience and credentials, working in the same industry—was making much more than me at a company of the same size and stature.
While she, a fellow Black media professional, definitely earned less than her male counterparts at her company, it taught me two important lessons: Just because one company is offering a "reasonable" salary, doesn't mean it's fair or equitable, and it would have been a smart move to gain a new friend and support system by authentically connecting with this particular person instead of thinking of her as competition.
In another situation, I got the chance to advocate for a young woman who was a former coworker. I had about a decade more experience than she did and had gained managerial experience by then, so I knew how salary negotiations worked. She was up for a position at another major global brand and was about to take an offer that not only was a case of low-balling, but it also would have made it difficult for her to sustain a decent lifestyle in that market. And based on the nature of the job, she certainly deserved more.
She felt uncomfortable asking for more money due to the brand and its popularity. There was a fear she'd lose out and end up with no job. I advised her to increase the salary ask and to be kind but assertive in refusing to take the offer until they gave in. I even told her exactly what to say and troubleshot scenarios with her.
She ended up getting $20,000 more than they'd initially offered, accepted the position, got the experience she needed to upgrade her skills and resume, and ended up, later, finding success as a self-employed consultant. She expressed to me that she was grateful for my words of encouragement and guidance. As Black women, we must do our part, small or large to ensure that our sisters are confident, respected, and able to shift the narrative on what people can get away with when it comes to paying us.
4. Support organizations, influencers, and activists shedding light on the issue and/or fighting for equal pay.
You might not feel you're called to activism or fights of a legal nature, and that's okay. You can still do your part by donating to a reputable organization that advocates for pay equity and actively fights against efforts that do not accommodate fair pay for Black women in particular. Like, share, and comment on social posts that offer truthful, research-based, and authentic content about pay for women. (Need a few to start with? Check out the accounts like Ladies Get Paid,The Broke Black Girl, Influencer Pay Gap, or Your Corporate Black Girl.)
Organizations like UN Women, the AAUW, the ACLU, the National Coalition of Black Women, and others work to not only advocate for gender equity but to provide resources for women to take action, advance, and succeed. Do your research and find ways to get involved through volunteering or donating.
When we get real about what people are getting paid, it opens up an honest dialogue about the pay gap. Also, you can't really negotiate or change things from a place of ignorance or naivete. While you can gain a general sense of an average salary via certain online platforms and articles, the reality is, well, reality, and different companies have their respective barriers, biases, company cultures, challenges, and bottom lines.
Behind stats, research reports and statistics are actual people and situations that provide context and true understanding. Knowing the real deal about real-life issues associated with pay is more than helpful and getting real-life knowledge on these things is key.
5. Use social media, conferences, and events as opportunities to keep the conversation going and spread awareness about the pay gap all year round.
We all like reposting and sharing funny and entertaining content on our social accounts, and it's a great idea to add a few facts about the inequity affecting Black women, how people can fight against it, or, at the very least, how we, as Black women, can stand up for ourselves. Also, information is power, so sharing facts about salary negotiation, how much people actually make in certain positions or at certain companies, and calling out companies that accommodate or actively participate in adding to the problem are great ways to positively add to the narrative.
When hosting conferences and events, adding the topic of pay, especially to the agendas of those targeted to young Black professionals and entrepreneurs, is a good idea. Also, as attendees of popular conferences and events, speaking up about the content that you're paying for and requesting the inclusion of conversations around salary and pay is key.
If you're paying for an experience that is marketed to enrich you or support your success (and you're, in turn, offering a chance for profit for event producers and organizations) shouldn't you have a say in what you're getting in return? Otherwise, why support or go? Even if there are sponsors, what's an event without its attendees? Using our voices via social and at events can help build up infrastructures of solutions-oriented conversations and ultimately, accountability. While it is not the overall solution, it is part of helping to forge the change we need to see.
We face tremendous challenges as Black women in the workplace, however, we can do our part in empowering ourselves by boldly speaking up, supporting one another beyond performative rhetoric, shedding archaic stereotypes, and truly unifying to close the gap through one deliberate act of strategy and defiance at a time.
Let’s make things inbox official! Sign up for the xoNecole newsletter for daily love, wellness, career, and exclusive content delivered straight to your inbox.
Featured image by Cecilie_Arcurs/Getty Images
From Your Site Articles
How One Woman Leveraged A $75K Job Offer To Land A Six-Figure ... ›
#SayOurNames: Black Women's Leadership & Our Quest For Equity ... ›
How To Negotiate a Salary - xoNecole: Women's Interest, Love ... ›
Exclusive: 'The Woman King' Cast Talks Sisterhood, Empowerment & Affirmations
Ever since the preview of The Woman King made its rounds on the internet earlier this year, leaving us in awe, we have been impatiently waiting for the film to make it to theaters. Well, the time has come, and we are honored we had the chance to preview the remarkable depiction of one of the most powerful states in Africa, Dahomey.
Not only is it inspired by true events, but the story is surrounded by Black women. From being directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood to Oscar®-winner Viola Davis serving as a producer and star of the film, the proclamation, “We fight or we die,” has never been more true as we fight for all of our stories to be told. The motion picture follows the Agojie, the all-female unit of warriors who protected the African Kingdom of Dahomey in the 1800s.
Using unyielding fierceness, General Nanisca, brought to life by Viola Davis, is at the core of the tale as she trains up the next generation of warriors to protect the kingdom from enemies seen and unseen. Overflowing with empowering themes of sisterhood, affirmations, and action, we rate the film three snaps and a fist in the air.
The Woman King Cast Shares Their Daily Affirmationswww.youtube.com
Lucky for us, we got to sit down with the cast to dive deeper into this beautiful vision of Black storytelling. In an exclusive interview with Thuso Mbedu, Lashana Lynch, Sheila Atim, and John Boyega, we talk about why we must protect Black women, how they speak affirmations and their definition of sisterhood.
John Boyega Talks Black Women, The Woman King & Empowermentwww.youtube.com
The Woman King is in theaters now.
Featured image by Santiago Felipe/Getty Images for SiriusXM
From Your Site Articles
Aunjanue Ellis Talks "King Richard", Working With Will Smith, Black ... ›
Regina King, Zazie Beetz & The Women Who Inspired 'The Harder ... ›
Related Articles Around the Web
The Woman King debuts at No. 1 at box office | EW.com ›
'The Woman King' Review: Viola Davis Slays - The New York Times ›
'Woman King,' Viola Davis and the culmination of a struggle | AP News ›
The Woman King Movie | Official Website | Sony Pictures ›
JT Dishes On Her Relationship With Lil Uzi Vert: ‘I Found My Home With Him, My Safe Space’
City Girls rapper JT, 29, and Lil Uzi Vert, 27, aren’t afraid to flaunt their love and appreciation for one another. Both rappers love to spoil the other with lavish gifts and words of affirmation such as the Miami-born artist gifting her man a Maybach for his birthday to the “XO TOUR Llif3” artist professing his love for his girlfriend in a series of tweets, the couple is undoubtedly in love.
JT, born Jatavia Johnson, gushed over her relationship with Uzi in an interview with POPSUGAR and shared how he helped her through pressing times.
"It made me a much better person," she said. "I feel like I found my home with him, my safe space. Once you find your safe space, you know."
The “Good Love” performer has had her fair share of ups and downs. Once City Girls began to receive fame, she was sent to prison for credit card fraud in 2018 leaving her group member Caresha “Yung Miami” Brownlee to keep the momentum going. She was released in 2019 and reportedly began dating Uzi the same year.
She also shared that she was experiencing some growing pains last year after moving to New York City which resulted in her isolating herself from everyone. "I went through a rough patch in my life last year, when I was very new with myself," she explained. "I didn't hate myself, but I didn't understand myself or my transition. It was hard for me to wrap [my mind] around who I was becoming, and I went into this dark-ass place."
"I was in a situation where I didn't really have support, I'll be honest, because I didn't tell nobody what was going on," she continued. "So everybody was judging me because they didn't know what was going on. I had to tap into myself to pull myself out of that."
She now lives with Uzi in Calabassas and appears to be in better spirits. JT dished on what it’s like living with the “Money Longer” emcee during her appearance on Yung Miami’s podcast Caresha Please.
“Uzi literally would do any and everything for me,” she said. “But I don’t flex it no mo. We live together, he pay all the bills. I don’t pay a bill. I don’t even know what the first of the month is! That’s real City Girl sh-t! Like I don’t pay a bill, I’m put up. Because b–h, who doin’ that?”
JT & Saucy Santana Talk Being A Real City Girl, Their Sex Life, Music Career & More | Caresha Please
Let’s make things inbox official! Sign up for the xoNecole newsletter for daily love, wellness, career, and exclusive content delivered straight to your inbox.
Featured image by Omar Vega/Getty Images
Related Articles Around the Web
Lil Uzi Vert makes relationship with JT official - REVOLT ›
JT Pens 'Twin Flame' Lil Uzi Vert Romantic Instagram Birthday Post ›
Lil Uzi Vert Gives A Shoutout To JT During His Performance, "I'm ... ›
JT Expresses Love for Lil Uzi Vert After He Claimed She Dumped ... ›
Cover Story: Issa Rae Comes Full Circle
xoNecole's inaugural digital cover star and natural hair icon talks community, Black trauma and what makes her feel loved.