As part of the recognition of Black Women’s Equal Pay Day 2018, a social media storm is planned for 2 p.m. EDT today, August 7. But in advance of us breaking the internet raising our voices in protest of this deeply intersectional inequality, The Glow Up—which is for, by and about black women—thought we’d take a look at what legions of black women on social media are already saying about the profound indignity of making 62 cents to every dollar earned by our white male colleagues for the same work.
While this is a day we wish didn’t exist, it’s empowering to know so many of us refuse to let it pass in silence. Here, a few women (including a few famous faces) speak on the significance of the day—and every day the wage gap persists—better than we ever could’ve hoped to ourselves.
First, the facts, courtesy of Illinois State Representative Juliana Stratton:
To follow up, this very necessary read from black business guru Kezia Williams:
Leave it to comedian Robin Thede to offer up at least one strategic solution:
And just to remind us that this is nothing new (because we all know most black Americans started out forced to work here for no pay at all), here are a couple of poignant reminders of why equal pay for the same work is the least this country could do when it comes to addressing the issue of reparations:
And for those who think we’re being unreasonable, just remind them (with a little help from Auntie Maxine) that we’re simply reclaiming our time, energy and precious natural resources:
While it saddens us that Tracee Ellis Ross’s words still ring equally true a year after she recorded them in 2017 (especially after hearing of her own wage disparities on Black-ish), she very eloquently expresses our value to the American economy and culture:
And just to drive home how disgusting it is that we’re still having this conversation almost four decades after America’s first black female billionaire (entirely self-made, mind you) attempted to address it with her then-employers, a look back at Oprah, as she shows us what inequality looks like—and how it drove her ambition.
Finally, a reminder to know your worth—and ask for it. It’s not petty; it’s principle.