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The paradox for women of color in being seen, yet unseen was the topic of the virtual webinar, “Visibly Invisible: The Sociopolitical Reality of Black Women,” presented by the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Department of Political Science’s Sociopolitical Lecture Series on Wednesday, Feb. 17. 

The panelists included Ella Jones, Ferguson mayor and founder of Community Forward, Inc.; Sharon Johnson, PhD, professor and dean of the School of Social Work at the University of Missouri-St. Louis; and SIUE alumna Tarsha Moore, SIUE Center for Student Diversity and Inclusion (CSDI) assistant director, Black Heritage Month committee chair and Sustained Dialogue coordinator. 

“It may seem to be a contradiction to evoke that the existence of Black women in the U.S. is both visible and invisible,” said Timothy Lewis, PhD, political science professor, chair of the Black Sociopolitical Lecture Series and panel moderator. “But when we look at statistics about Black women, we see a group that is largely overlooked. Black women are more likely to live in poverty, less likely to get married and twice as likely to die in childbirth. 

“On the other hand, some would say Black women are extremely visible when considering Vice President Kamala Harris and the impactful role of Black women in the past election cycle from politician, voting rights activist and lawyer Stacey Abrams to Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms. Our very panelists are testaments of ‘Black Women Magic.’ Thus, we have a dichotomy. Is the theme of this discussion accurate?” 

“We start out as invisible. But to become visible, you have to sacrifice,” said Johnson. “Stacey Abrams commanded a dynamic movement but did not receive the attention needed when running for office, until she proved herself. So, our visibility comes with a lot of sacrifice, hard work and constantly having to prove ourselves.” 

“The theme is an adequate reflection of the reality we experience as Black women,” said Moore. “There is an overwhelming amount of loyalty that is expected from Black women, and that loyalty is not reciprocated when opportunities become available for us to be seen. 

“To echo the remarks on sacrifice, one thing we sacrifice is the family component. It’s a daunting experience, but a lot of that sacrifice is in the shadows. People see our super powers and forget that we are also human.” 

“What type of visibility are Black women seeking,” Lewis asked the panelists, “and why don’t they have it?” 

“When we were going through the unrest in Ferguson after the fatal shooting of Michael Brown, so many mothers took to the street, because they realized it could have been their child lying in that street,” said Jones. “It propelled me to look at my life, and see how I could contribute. I decided to go knocking on the door of city hall to get a seat.” 

“We deserve a seat at the table,” interjected Johnson. “We shouldn’t have to be invited to the table. If we wait on an invitation, then we have to ask are we obligated? We want a natural seat at the table with everyone else.” 

“When we’re not at the table, we are always on the menu,” warned Jones. “I’ve learned that even when you push your way to sit at the table, and the menu is passed, and the dinner is set – they take the fork away. So now, not only do you fight to sit at the table, fight to see the menu, but you better bring your own fork!” 

“What efforts must Black women put forth to have a seat the table?” posed Lewis. “When Kamala Harris was chosen as vice president, a lot of news agencies began to talk about her hard work. This hard work narrative personally scares me, because it assumes that a person can work hard enough to overcome the disadvantages of an entire system. As a Black woman, what would you say are the benefits and dangers of embracing this hard work narrative?” 

“The issue of having to work so hard is because of oppression that has been ingrained within the system,” said Johnson. “Kamala had connections and resources, but she still had to fight hard. Her privilege wasn’t good enough. There are plenty of Black women who have resources and privileges, but we can’t use our privileges the way everyone else uses theirs. That becomes the heart of the fight. 

“And when we have to work so hard all the time, what happens when we become tired or vulnerable? Do we lose our status? Do we have to fight more to maintain what we have, because we can’t do it anymore? There’s nothing wrong with having a good work ethic, but working hard is different than having a good work ethic.” 

“The hard work narrative scares me, as well,” Moore confessed. “Again, we have to look at the systemic issues and that not all Black women have the same background, experiences and opportunities. Yet, one of the pros is that we are a resilient group of individuals. It is a trait and value to be proud of, celebrate and instill in our children.” 

For information on other upcoming events, visit BHM calendar. 

Photo:
(L-R): Ella Jones, Ferguson mayor and founder of Community Forward, Inc.; Sharon Johnson, PhD, professor and dean of the School of Social Work at the University of Missouri-St. Louis; and SIUE alumna Tarsha Moore, SIUE Center for Student Diversity and Inclusion (CSDI) assistant director, Black Heritage Month committee chair and Sustained Dialogue coordinator.