In this 2020 TEDxSeattle talk, Jodi-Ann Burey explores the nuances of what professionals of color and other underrepresented groups face when they are told to “bring your authentic self to work.” Many who do so may face backlash when navigating company cultures designed around white privilege, exposing themselves to penalties for not conforming to the dominant culture. Burey calls for people of color and other underrepresented people to focus their energies on realizing their own imaginations for racial justice on their terms. Separately, Burey outlines steps toward achieving more equitable and just workplaces, and implores company leadership and people with privilege to accept accountability for changing their cultures.

2:49 — “Professionalism” as code for white cultural norms and standards
6:44 — How authenticity masks the need for systemic change
9:30 — Shares how gaslighting works to deny the realities of people of color at work
11:34 — Explains the work people of color have to do to mask themselves at work
12:54 — A call to action for people of color to create their own spaces for authenticity
13:19 — A call for those with power and privilege to take on the work of changing workplace culture

More to explore:
Learn more about Jodi-Ann Burey: jodiannburey.com/
Listen to Jodi-Ann Burey’s podcast on health and race, Black Cancer: www.blackcancer.co/
Luvvie Ajayi shares why you should “Get comfortable with being uncomfortable”: www.youtube.com/watch?v=QijH4UAqGD8
Check out Mena Fombo’s TEDx Talk, “No. You Cannot Touch My Hair!” at TEDxBristol: www.youtube.com/watch?v=OLQzz75yE5A
Learn about the cost of racism on people of color in David R. Williams’ talk, “How Racism Makes Us Sick”: www.youtube.com/watch?v=VzyjDR_AWzE