Reading as resistance to workplace erasure

[WORLD] The workplace should be an environment that celebrates a multitude of voices, experiences, and histories. However, many Black individuals often find themselves fighting against systemic erasure in these spaces. One powerful form of resistance against this erasure is reading and amplifying Black stories. By embracing narratives that reflect the complexities of Black life and experience, we can challenge the dominant structures that silence marginalized voices. In this article, we will explore how the silencing of Black stories contributes to workplace erasure and how reading serves as a potent tool for resistance.

The Importance of Storytelling in Black Culture

Storytelling has always been an essential part of Black culture. From oral traditions passed down through generations to contemporary written works, Black stories carry the weight of history, resilience, and identity. These stories are not only forms of artistic expression but also ways of preserving culture and resisting oppressive systems. As historian and scholar Henry Louis Gates Jr. has noted, “The African American experience is one of constant negotiation with a society that seeks to erase us and deny our humanity.” These words underscore the critical role storytelling plays in maintaining a sense of self in a world that often seeks to overlook or misrepresent Black people.

However, the act of telling and reading Black stories is not always embraced within mainstream institutions, including the workplace. When Black voices are silenced or excluded, whether through censorship or lack of representation, the workplace becomes a space where erasure can thrive.

The Impact of Silencing Black Stories in the Workplace

Workplace erasure refers to the systemic marginalization or outright dismissal of Black experiences, histories, and contributions. This can manifest in various ways—through a lack of diversity in leadership, the absence of Black narratives in company histories or cultural discussions, or the invalidation of lived experiences during team interactions. The effects of such erasure are both personal and organizational.

On an individual level, Black employees may feel invisible, unheard, or undervalued. The absence of their stories from workplace narratives can make it difficult for them to build meaningful connections with their colleagues or feel a sense of belonging. On an organizational level, companies that silence Black stories miss out on the rich cultural perspectives that could drive innovation, creativity, and problem-solving.

As mentioned by Janice Gassam, “The workplace needs to hear and acknowledge the truth of Black experiences in order to create a truly inclusive and equitable environment.” The failure to do so perpetuates an environment where diversity is tokenized, and true equity is not achieved. In order to address these issues, businesses must actively resist the erasure of Black stories and embrace reading and storytelling as transformative acts.

Reading As Resistance: A Path to Empowerment

Reading Black stories—whether through literature, essays, or memoirs—can be a powerful form of resistance. By engaging with these stories, employees and organizations challenge the dominant narratives that have historically silenced Black voices. This act of reading and reflection fosters empathy, broadens perspectives, and contributes to a deeper understanding of the lived experiences of Black individuals. Gassam asserts, “Reading Black authors is not just about gaining knowledge; it’s about engaging in a process of self-education that dismantles the systems of oppression that seek to erase Black people from the narrative.”

When we read Black stories, we are given access to a worldview that is often underrepresented in mainstream media and educational systems. These stories highlight the richness of Black culture, the complexity of Black identity, and the enduring fight for justice. They also reveal the ways in which Black individuals have resisted erasure throughout history, both in public and private spheres.

For instance, classics like Beloved by Toni Morrison, The Souls of Black Folk by W.E.B. Du Bois, and contemporary works like Between the World and Me by Ta-Nehisi Coates provide windows into the Black experience. These texts do more than offer a snapshot of history or culture—they actively challenge the dominant societal narratives that often marginalize Black voices. As employees and organizations engage with these works, they begin to acknowledge the existence of the very stories that have been suppressed.

The Role of Organizations in Encouraging Reading

Organizations play a pivotal role in ensuring that Black stories are included in workplace culture. Companies that foster an environment where reading diverse literature is encouraged contribute to a more inclusive workplace. This can be achieved by creating book clubs, hosting author talks, or integrating relevant literature into training programs.

Incorporating Black stories into company learning initiatives can have profound impacts. By making the effort to educate employees on the histories, struggles, and triumphs of Black individuals, organizations take active steps in combating workplace erasure. As Gassam highlights, “Workplaces that celebrate Black stories and perspectives can dismantle the isolation many Black employees feel and create an environment of true belonging.”

Furthermore, leadership plays a crucial role in setting the tone for this inclusivity. When executives and managers demonstrate a commitment to reading and reflecting on Black narratives, it sets a precedent for the entire organization. It sends a clear message that diversity is not just a buzzword but a core value that shapes the company’s culture.

Breaking Down Barriers to Inclusion

One of the main barriers to inclusion in the workplace is the perception that Black voices are not as important as others. This is often reflected in the lack of representation in leadership positions and the absence of Black stories in professional settings. The silence around Black experiences creates an environment where discrimination, bias, and microaggressions can thrive.

Reading Black stories helps break down these barriers by giving individuals a deeper understanding of the challenges that Black employees face. It humanizes the conversation around race, transforming it from a theoretical or abstract issue to something deeply personal. Employees who engage with Black narratives are more likely to recognize their own biases and take action to create more equitable workplaces.

In addition, reading fosters a sense of shared humanity. As Gassam points out, “By reading and engaging with stories of Black people, we make the effort to connect with one another on a deeper level. We begin to see each other not as symbols or stereotypes, but as individuals with unique experiences and perspectives.”

The Need for Action Beyond Reading

While reading Black stories is an essential step in combating workplace erasure, it is not enough on its own. True change requires action. Organizations must not only promote diversity in reading materials but also implement concrete policies and practices that ensure Black employees are supported and uplifted. This includes offering mentorship opportunities, implementing diversity training, and creating space for Black voices to be heard in leadership roles.

Furthermore, employees should be encouraged to actively engage in conversations around race, identity, and inclusion. The process of reading can serve as a springboard for these discussions, allowing individuals to share their thoughts, reflect on their own biases, and learn from one another.

Reading as resistance is an act of empowerment. By actively engaging with Black stories and challenging the narratives that silence Black voices, individuals and organizations can take significant steps toward dismantling workplace erasure. As Janice Gassam writes, “When we read, we resist the erasure of Black stories and open the door to a more inclusive, equitable, and just workplace.” It is only through the active recognition and celebration of Black experiences that workplaces can truly evolve into spaces of belonging for all employees.

For organizations committed to creating a truly inclusive culture, reading Black stories is an essential step in the journey toward equity. The act of resistance is not just about books; it’s about creating real, lasting change. By embracing the richness of Black narratives, we are not only resisting erasure but also laying the foundation for a more just and inclusive future.