There are a lot of workplace guides and books out there. Some cater specifically to the black community and black women in particular, and others are marketed for everyone. Whether they cater to black women in particular or not is not necessarily the question – though books like this are very important. The question is whether black women can read these books and translate their new knowledge into success in the workplace.
All the authors interviewed echoed a resounding “no” to the idea that black women could read their way ahead. Joy Omoregie, author of Woke At Work, said: “People love motivation and to feel inspired, but this is a waste of time. If you don’t have practical things that are going to help you move forward as an individual it isn’t worth it. I spent many years being inspired and staying in the same place.”