Unapologetically You: Owning Your Space in the Workplace
The Onyx Truth is, too often Black employees feel pressure to “tone it down” at work—whether it’s code-switching, adjusting our natural expressions, or downplaying cultural experiences
Alexis White
Navigating a Predominantly White Workplace
Navigating a predominantly white workplace as a Black person can sometimes feel like walking a tightrope. Is it ok to put my guard down, or do I need to prepare to fake it? You know what I’m talking about - the code switch. It took me years to get to a point where I felt comfortable showing up fully as myself. The higher up I went up the corporate ladder, the harder it became. I learned a few things along the way. Here are my thoughts on how to own your space, keep it real, and make your mark without feeling like you have to put on a mask.
Why Your Authenticity Matters
Too often, Black employees feel pressure to “tone it down” at work—whether it’s code-switching, adjusting our natural expressions, or downplaying cultural experiences. But here’s the thing: workplaces thrive when they embrace different perspectives. Your lived experiences bring unique insights, creativity, and resilience to the table. I say lean into that!
Your Lived Experience is a Strength
Your Perspective is Valuable – Companies love to talk about “diverse perspectives,” but that doesn’t mean you should have to sugarcoat your truth. Your insights on culture, community, and industry gaps are powerful and you should own that. Some of the most successful products on the market today are the result of collaboration between people with different backgrounds and experiences.
Be Confident in Your Identity – Whether it’s your name, your style, or the way you communicate, stand firm in who you are. Rock that afro, wear that African print shirt! I’m down for the occasional ebonics outburst in the right setting too. I used to be so cautious of the words that I used that I would often say nothing for fear of saying the wrong thing. Now I talk the way I talk. Period.
Find Your People – We said this a few times in our other pieces. That’s intentional because it’s important. Build relationships with colleagues who respect and uplift you. I still think fondly of a group of Black coworkers who were such a huge support system for me earlier in my career. Whether they’re Black, allies, or just good people, having support makes a huge difference.
Creating Space for More Black Voices
Advocate for Inclusion – If you’re in a position to do so, use your voice to open doors for others. Mentorship, sponsorship, and simply amplifying other Black voices in meetings can create a ripple effect.
Push for Real DEI Efforts – If your company talks the talk but doesn’t walk the walk, call it out at the right time, and in the right way. Change happens when people demand it.
Know When It’s Time to Bounce – If your workplace refuses to make space for you as you are, you don’t have to shrink yourself to fit in. Sometimes, the best move is finding a place that values you fully.
Stay Authentic, Stay Winning with The Onyx Truth
The truth is, your authenticity isn’t just an asset—it’s your superpower.
Winning in your workplace starts with understanding your position in your career.
Take The Onyx Truth’s Free Black Career Reality Check Quiz to get an analysis and suggestions to get you started on supercharging your career.
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