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Vote on Desiree Davidson's Story
Were they afraid we were planning a coup d'etat?
I spent my first summer during Columbia Law School at a firm in Philadelphia described as one of the best places in the city for black lawyers. I believed that if there was any place where I would have an equal chance at opportunities, be treated fairly and succeed, this would be it. There were three black female summer associates out of sixty that year but any time all three of us were in an office talking, one of the partners would knock on the door to see how we were doing. It happened too often to be a coincidence that sometimes we would purposely agree to meet in so-and-so's office to test our theory that we were being monitored. Like clock work, ten minutes after we would get together a partner would stop by.
It's all about relationships
- Workplace Unfairness
- Female
- African-American
- Insurance
- Left & is now a Small Business Entrepreneur
- Management Consulting
- Double Standards
- Social Networks
White people always play the race card. We are always accused of playing the race card. There is a double standard that is constantly applied. If I talk to an executive who has an opening, I'll say, "This is a great opportunity for a diverse candidate." He'll say, "I'm happy to consider a diverse qualified candidate." With the same breath they will take a white candidate with seven months of experience and promote them straight up the ranks regardless of background or experience. It's all about relationships. I had 20 years of experience in HR. The person who is in my position now has seven months of experience. We are at a marked disadvantage because white folks are not comfortable getting close to us.