If Black women got paid for all the things we do—both the seen and the unseen—we’d all be sipping something cold on a yacht in Santorini right now.
We are the backbone, the blueprint and the buffer between foolishness and function in nearly every space we occupy. But despite the love, labor and leadership we pour into the world, too often our efforts come with applause…but no compensation.
So consider this your official invoice. Here are 10 things Black women deserve to be paid extra for.
1. Translating white fragility at work
How many times have you heard, “Oh, I think what she meant to say was…” as someone tries to explain YOUR feelings/comments.
You’ve had to step in with the verbal Google Translate more times than you can count. Managing vibes and microaggressions while doing your actual job? Sis, that’s two roles. Where’s the pay bump?
2. Providing free therapy to EVERYONE
Friend going through it? Cousin with a situationship? Co-worker lowkey trauma-dumping by the printer? And guess who’s always there with the listening ear, life advice and snacks? You. Again. If emotional labor had a line item on your check, you’d be making CEO money.
3. Keeping both your edges and your emotions laid
Because only Black women know the strength it takes to keep our baby hairs slicked, our tone calm and our spirit unbothered—especially when folks try it. That’s not just self-control, that’s art.
4. Mastering the art of code-switching
One minute you’re hitting “per my last email,” and the next you’re saying “girl, please” in the group chat. That kind of linguistic versatility? That’s a skill. Somebody pass the bilingual stipend.
5. Holding the entire family together
You’re the vacation planner, the cousin-therapist, the emergency contact, the cookout coordinator, the “we-gotta-pray-for-him” prayer warrior. Your phone never stops. Your plate stays full (metaphorically and literally). You should be collecting royalties.
6. Being the ‘Diversity’ in the room
If one more committee tries to “pick your brain” without cutting a check… whew. You’re not HR’s DEI mascot, especially now that Diversity is a bad word. You’re not their culture consultant. You’re not the Black History Month decorator. You’re just trying to do your job—and breathe.
7. Delivering a professional clapback with precision
You just read that email, took a breath, deleted your first draft (and your second) and still responded with grace, clarity and a low-key warning. And somehow they still asked you to lead the next meeting. Queen of the calculated response.
8. Protecting everybody while no one protects you
We show up for everyone. From social justice movements to Sunday dinners. But when it comes time to return the favor, silence. We are strong, yes—but we are also human. And strength should never be mistaken for disposability.
9. Showing Up dressed, beat and booked—Even when life is lifing
Somehow, through the stress, the struggle, and the sleepless nights, you still come through looking like you stepped out of an Essence cover shoot. That’s divine resilience. And it should come with a glam bonus.
10. Repeating cultural appropriation 101 (Again.)
If you’ve ever had to explain that your braids are not a trend, your vernacular is not “internet slang,” and your culture is not up for grabs—you deserve not just a check, but a scholarship fund, an endowment and a vacation.
Black women have been doing the most with the least for far too long—and we’ve done it with style, strategy and soul. But let’s be clear: love doesn’t pay bills. Applause doesn’t fund rest. Visibility isn’t a substitute for value. It’s time to start collecting on all this excellence.
Run us our coins.
